“Why Richard Russell, ‘SkyKing,’ Stole Plane in Tragic Final Flight”
On August 10, 2018, Richard Russell, an airline ground worker, took off in an unattended Bombardier Q400. The aircraft, valued at about $33 million, crashed in Puget Sound that night. Russell, 28, died in the wreck on Ketron Island.
Background
Russell was born in Key West on September 19, 1989. He moved to Wasilla, Alaska, at age seven and graduated high school in 2008. He married Hannah in 2011 after meeting her in 2010, and they ran a bakery for three years.
By 2015, the couple lived in Sumner, Washington. Russell worked for Horizon Airlines as a ground service agent at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. His duties included baggage handling, de-icing, towing, and pushing aircraft.
The Theft and Flight
Russell used a tractor to position an empty Q400 in a maintenance area. The plane required a sequence of switches to start, but no traditional key. He managed to take off and remained airborne for about 71 minutes.
During the flight, Russell flew west toward the Olympic Mountains. He performed maneuvers, including a barrel roll, and stayed in contact with air traffic control. At one point, he said he knew “a little bit” from video games.
Intercept and Crash
NORAD ordered two F-15s from the Portland Air National Guard to intercept the aircraft. The fighters did not fire on the plane. Russell told controllers he was not planning to land.
The Q400 crashed at about 8:46 p.m. on Ketron Island in the Puget Sound. Authorities later listed the cause of death as multiple traumatic injuries from the crash.
Investigation and Motive
The FBI classified the manner of death as suicide. Medical examiners found evidence supporting an intentional act. Investigators found no ties to terrorism or wider criminal activity.
Russell had no formal pilot license or documented flight training. Colleagues described the workplace as understaffed and grueling. He made a remark during the flight about minimum wage and job stress.
Friends noted past head injuries from football. One friend suggested possible symptoms of chronic traumatic encephalopathy. However, no definitive medical cause for his actions was established.
Public Reaction and Legacy
Cellphone footage captured Russell’s barrel roll near the water. The clip spread online and drew intense public interest. Some viewers dubbed him “’SkyKing,’” and the nickname spread across message boards.
The episode inspired a documentary that includes new interviews and unseen audio and video. Filmogaz.com reports the film, directed by Patricia E. Gillespie, began streaming on Hulu on April 14. The project explores why Richard Russell stole the plane and the factors behind this tragic final flight.
