Man Steals a Passenger Plane and Crashes it Just After Takeoff (With Real Video)

Find out how a Horizon Air ground service agent with no piloting experience managed to steal a Bombardier Dash 8 Q400, a turboprop-powered regional airliner.
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This video has been recorded and edited in 4K resolution and 60FPS.

[@jeffreydavis9783]

These two men who communicated with this troubled young man personified grace. Not just good at their jobs; good at being human.

[@xNamsu]

Yea he's a "troubled young man" now but if he was a Pakistani or Arab american I bet that narrative changes real quick.

[@lizard944]

@@xNamsu Are you speaking from experience?

[@DarthBinky89]

@@xNamsuif he was one of those he would have flew the plane into a building

[@davidhorn6008]

Why?

[@YoWhoDat]

Well said.

[@eastendmafia1773]

I love how the other pilot said “my airplanes feeling just fine, how’s yours?” Making him feel apart of the sky with other pilots, and may have brought on a different attitude. Genius.

[@KeyboardBuster]

Yeah man, that was super chill of him. They knew he was doomed and they were talking kindly to basically a dying man.

[@user-ve6kv8ue6q]

@@KeyboardBuster that was my exact thoughts too, especially for the pilot, i thought "this guy's talking to a dead man and he knows it"

[@MrKylePopovich]

I got the opposite feeling, like the safe pilot was trying to figure out how the out-of-control plane was doing (as a lethal threat to other airlines and pedestrians on the ground). Like giving an enemy a poisonous drink yet yours is fine, but you wanna know if they are dead yet: "My wine is great, how's yours?" 😏

[@oldfart6935]

@@MrKylePopovich damn thats so dark

[@CGplay186]

@@oldfart6935 the funny thing is he probably right but you go with op view if that make you feel better

[@brianvittachi6869]

It is remarkable how the ATC guy and the pilot managed to stay so calm. They're not only professional but good humans too.

[@atropin3502]

They probably knew there's no way he can land.

[@maelstrom2313]

They were also probably terrified that he might point the aircraft at the tower if they chose the wrong words. They would have little chance of surviving in that case and the thought must have been sobering.

[@DeadPKhtow]

Just think what did it cost to them both. They knew what was coming

[@one1onetime935]

"Just a broken guy with a few screws loose " man that hits home and tugs at the ol heart strings.

[@dozer3955]

Sure does

[@JonRumfelt1975]

Pilot "He'd be a hero if he could pull off a landing." Best line. These guys deserve a few drinks, for sure.

[@geometricart7851]

I'm sure they had them afterward.

[@bossstillen4390]

Lmaoooo

[@flammenjc]

Its just lip service and Rich knew that, he wasnt stupid. Be a hero but get put in jail for 50 years probably

[@sarah_loves_mittens]

Go listen to the extended uncut audio of Sky King and I'm telling you Richard has 101 one-liners that top this one.

[@Ballaholic82]

How about, I think they'd give u a job doing just about anything if u can pull this off.. 😆

[@lincbond442]

I like how Capt. Bill congratulated him on the successful barrel roll and then told him to try to land the plane.

[@707josh]

I know they are very polite to keep him and other pilots from getting emotional or doing anything terrorist like but I swear this is one of the chillest convos I’ve ever witnessed

[@samsonblvd]

@Steve Robinson thats crazy i wonder why he stopped talking i guess he passed out after the barrel roll

[@arthurdebacker9918]

@@samsonblvdm my

[@samaelsandalphon5600]

@@steverobinson1334 what an odd thing to say.

[@LoLErMan13]

So nonchalantly too. Those atc should've been like okay we can have a talk to talk since he can obviously fly just fine.... please turn left please is all they can mutter after he poured his heart out. Fuck those atc.

[@trottingfoxinc]

Damn, man was no villain, the intrusive thoughts just won out on this day...I hope he's found peace and my heart goes out to his family.

[@ioannageor180]

Exactly what I thought. Intrusive thoughts are the worst, they are backed by biological and social factors... I also feel that since Richard was a quiet person nobody ever noticed he was battling these thoughts....

[@olgagr7136]

This video is a little different. I know another video, much longer, and he said ( in that video) that his life has no meaning, his future is bleak. Poor man was in a state of depression. RIP dear pilot.

[@TomInGulfBreeze]

Sorry, but he's definitely s criminal. Destroying someone else's property is a crime. Agree on sympathies for the family and sorrow for the guy's depression, but I've seen others (not you) hail him as a hero, and that's just nonsense.

[@androwaydie4081]

He probably abused drugs beforehand.

[@awkwardautistic]

​@@TomInGulfBreezeHe is a hero to those who can relate.

[@raymondkymsuttle]

This is heartbreaking and yet it’s amazing that he spent his last hour alive appreciating the beauty of the world.

[@user-uz7ir9sc1t]

What are you smoking?

[@jamesmichael9341]

@@user-uz7ir9sc1t Hes not saying that its a good thing. Read and respond to what people actually say, not what you feel theyre saying. Frontal cortex, maybe youre young.

[@aciidbraiin8079]

Obviously he appreciated the beauty or fun of flying before he died. Now, it was wrong but if you haven't seriously considered suicide then you can consider yourself lucky. There's a certain apathy towards life that builds up through depression and when you got nothing to lose it becomes surreal.@@user-uz7ir9sc1t

[@bcpnatl]

From my perspective, the ATC and pilot could not have handled the situation any better. They were walking a fine line between trying to talk some sense into him, trying to earn his trust, and not getting him panicked. I'm sure they were feeling all kinds of emotions internally, but they stayed calm and kept their composure extremely well. These are true professionals.

[@dakmycat3688]

They kinda knew or had a feeling it wasn’t gonna end well. I wonder what he was going thru? He said there was a lot of people that he was gonna hurt. So he had loved ones.

[@x70222]

I was thinking exactly the same thing. They were excellent. A great example!

[@gracieg7601]

Wow what a shame. How on earth did he do that alone?

[@daniellejulien715]

Apart from the first 3 words, my comment was going to be worded nearly identically! "From my perspective" is unnecessary though because the same holds true from ANY perspective. The "kid gloves" were definitely utilized in expert manner.

[@josephhammond6738]

Poor guy. Depression hurts, people. But there's help.

[@soshiangel90]

The heart attack the pilot clearly had when the guy said "can this do a barrel roll" and the actually went and freaking did it! I know he didn't even need to be in the cockpit to hear those alarms ringing in his head.

[@seananderson375]

Oo09ò o oo0

[@seananderson375]

P p. ,The p,

[@schrodingersmechanic7622]

A proper barrel roll is a 1G maneuver, any airworthy fixed wing could do one with little fuss

[@ArtemSayapov]

​@@schrodingersmechanic7622my guy, we're not talking about simple planes here, he did a barrel roll on a freaking *airliner*! Those are not made to be very maneuverable.

[@schrodingersmechanic7622]

@@ArtemSayapov airliners are far more capable than people realize. Test pilot Tex Johnston did a barrel roll in a prototype 707 in the 50s. The airframe of one can handle more g-force than the passengers can. A 747 could perform a loop if it had enough power to keep its speed up.

[@lr2ldn]

The fact that this guy starting flying an airplane without NO training is beyond impressive.

[@kappaman1994]

This part 💯✊🏿

[@TheDerangedBlood]

Its actually not that difficult to get the plane into the air. It is the landing that is tough. My uncle worked for Boeing for 30 years and he said it is super easy.

[@dogshake]

@@TheDerangedBloodwhat about his barrel roll? I’ve heard other pilots say that was a near impossible move without training, and an incredibly difficult maneuver even for trained pilots. How true is that? I assume it’s pretty true, and this guy got so so so lucky that he was at the right altitude and controlled it in just a way where he wouldn’t crash. This guy has to have played some sort of simulator, because I wouldn’t even know where to begin with those crazy control panels. I’ve heard that he had a lot of time spent in cockpits w/ pilot friends at his work, and probably picked up a lot of his knowledge that way. RIP, Fly High Sky King.

[@TheDerangedBlood]

@@dogshake I said, taking to flight is easy, I never said anything about doing a barrel roll being easy. I don't think up until that point anyone had even attempted to do a barrel roll in a commercial airplane.

[@dogshake]

@@TheDerangedBlood oh for sure, i wasnt trying to force a point, I was legitimately curious and you seem to have good knowledge off it. I have zero knowledge of this stuff and wanted to ask how hard it would actually be. Didnt mean to offend

[@timdj9826]

The poor guy seemed like a genuinely good dude with an awesome personality. But just imagine being around the area he did the barrel roll & seeing it from the ground he's flying above.

[@dogshake]

There’s some really good footage of it from people living in the area. It’s in some good tribute videos. Look up “sky king tribute”

[@user-uz7ir9sc1t]

I can see you're a good judge of character. You probably would have given Hitler the award for best dictator of the year....

[@CosmicMapping]

@@user-uz7ir9sc1t Oh yeah, those are equivalents. Stealing one plane, genocide of millions, definitely the same tier of morality. Totally, yeah, fine, makes perfect sense, just fucking awesome bro.

[@JohnDoe-cq9no]

@@user-uz7ir9sc1t I can see you are ignorant about history and also incapable of empathy.

[@JohnDoe-cq9no]

@@user-uz7ir9sc1t I can see you don't know anything about history and are incapable of empathy.

[@kgmams9852]

RIP to guy, he was clearly in a dark place, wanted his dream exit and got... And thank GOD he didn't take any other life...

[@johnfox1991]

So sad ... Imagine being so young and not seeing any way out of your personal struggles...

[@closeyamy]

@@johnfox1991 Yeah, it sucks

[@coyotekakakaway4788]

Yeah... my heart broke.

[@coyotekakakaway4788]

As someone who struggles with mental and emotional stability... who struggles with suicidal thoughts.... fuck. My heart! I feel bad for the people he left behind but holy shit, the empathy and understanding I have for fichard... I'm glad he found his peace and I'm glad that nobody else was hurt.

[@swaguwuflexcringe]

Poor guy crashed a plane obviously not a pussy and idiot obviously 😂

[@williamthethespian]

The composure of the people on the ground is absolutely amazing. They tried so hard. They kept it together. Given the situation, they couldn't have done better

[@omarijoseph3189]

this is so true...i didn't really notice that as my focus was on the flyer...you're correct.

[@RailsofForney]

Don’t even know how they receive that training

[@tumekeehoa3121]

A masterclass, it won't stop them thinking they could have done better though. Hopefully they both spend a lot of time taking about it to free their minds of those destructive thoughts.

[@tumekeehoa3121]

@Andrew Torres At least he had a male mountain range nearby. Mt Taranaki is a handsome young fella I could've introduced him. He missed out on the maiden Pīhanga and might be looking elsewhere.

[@omarijoseph3189]

@Andrew Torres I think you might be a bit off on that assumption, i believe he's talking about that area or scenery or mountains...it doesn't seem like he's talking about men at all...but i could be corrected

[@CanadianFitted]

When he spoke about the people who would miss him and casually switched to talking about the mountains I could hear the pain in the Towers voice because he knew why he was saying that, RIP Richard that was a hell of a last ride.

[@nickieb9656]

that part made me cry my eyes out…

[@ryanbon2414]

Richard was so calm and respectful from the start. Seems like he had made his decision well before and come to peace with that. Sad stuff 😢

[@user-uz7ir9sc1t]

How many times a week do you go to a shrink?

[@jackpayne4658]

The actual pilot guy did a great job. He wasn't trained as a therapist - and even a trained therapist might have done no better. Rich had decided to take off, but not land.

[@Pixietoria]

I completely agree. I feel so much for the pilot. I hope he's doing well after this.

[@lunayoshi]

Yeah, props to both the traffic controller and the pilot talking to him. This must have been very stressful, trying to reason with someone not to hurt himself or anybody else. The feeling of helplessness must have been very real, especially with Richard being so otherwise very reasonable (aside from, you know, stealing a plane).

[@taylorb213]

It’s always sad when someone tries to or succeeds at hurting themself, but I keep thinking about the fear that the ATC pilot must’ve had knowing that Rich had a jet in his control and could potentially hurt a lot of other people, intentional or not. I don’t know what I would’ve done in that scenario.

[@cosicave5179]

@@taylorb213 I know what you!re saying; but have you watched the video? It's not a jet but a a twin prop!

[@Nisie23]

You probably meant the ATC guy, not so much the pilot.

[@alyfaith]

"I wasn't really planning on landing it." my heart sank 💔

[@chriswebster24]

Yeah, he died.

[@coyotekakakaway4788]

It made me cry....

[@renderz8435]

He should never be allowed near an airplane. Pilots dont just need skill, they need sanity. This guy isnt mentally stable to be a pilot. I dont want to be his passenger going on a barrel roll whenever he feels like it

[@andrewp6314]

​@@renderz8435he was not a pilot he was a baggage handler. Should have watched the video

[@geekaiixx]

You shouldn’t feel bad for him, he could have crashed and killed people and he didn’t give a crap about their lives. What if he had accidentally crashed into the airport and killed hundreds of people. Mental illness isn’t an excuse for endangering other people’s lives, there are plenty of ways to end your life, this is just selfish.

[@VitoAnthonyD.-ow7oo]

What a story. I didn't know until the end that he intentionally crashed it. He was so calm. He was acting out his final fantasy before going out and hurt nobody else except the insurance company and the pain of his relatives. Something so sad and desperately ballsy about this. Like he was enjoying his final moments on Earth. He was the boss and he was in control. I wish he had landed it and found some help.

[@user-uz7ir9sc1t]

You could use some 'help' too.

[@CosmicMapping]

@@user-uz7ir9sc1t Why have you made a hobby out of finding anybody in this comment section with a base level of human empathy and verbally berating them?

[@fifiladu2659]

Every time I watch a video, short, or show about him- and I always do- it never fails to hurt my heart or make me tear up. It’s so obvious from his tone of voice and choice of words that he was a kind-hearted guy who was in a bad spot, who ended up making an extremely poor choice that day. There was a bittersweet, melancholy tone in his apologies and communications. I wish it had been possible to talk him down, then let him make his amends to society while getting the help he needed to work through the obvious pain he was experiencing, and then move forward. He really did seem like a truly nice human.

[@user-uz7ir9sc1t]

When are you NOT under the influence?

[@Indigenous51]

@@user-uz7ir9sc1t My thoughts exactly. People’s stupid sentimentality get in the way that the guy could’ve killed many people!

[@JennaChamomile]

It’s so sad that Richard’s last conversation before he died was with a complete stranger talking about random stuff like hiking and how beautiful the view is.

[@devonblackwood9050]

They had to engage him. It’s psychology. He shouldn’t have stole the aircraft in the same place. That’s the issue

[@Paul.......]

​@Devon Blackwood way to miss the point entirely. Also no one is saying he should've stolen the aircraft.. what are you even on about? Scolding a dead man?

[@IRELAND_MY_LOVE]

you must have a very beautiful and soft soul to understand Richard like that. You understood Richard's loneliness and how he just needed to reach out and find beauty, somewhere, anywhere, where he could just breathe. I think many of us when we are broken look to see if there really is beauty in the snares and mistakes of life. You probably didn't even realise what you said is so profound, which makes it all the more touching. God bless you. I hope you live a long long life in peace.

[@Scorpiocatmeow644]

I personally think that’s the best convo he could have had in that moment. Way better than crying saying he hates himself.

[@JennaChamomile]

@The Reckoning. Thank you for your kind words. Regarding Richard, it was the first thing that came across my mind when I saw this video. It’s sad really. I wish it wasn’t the first thing that came across my mind.

[@andrewcunningham3447]

I watched this kids last minutes from my back porch. Super sad when you learn after the fact that he was just depressed with no direction in life. What’s crazy is he flew the shit out of that plane

[@MLMLW]

He actually would have been a good pilot. All he had to do was to get his pilot license!

[@sarah_loves_mittens]

Of course he flew the shit out of that plane I mean... you know... he played some video games and stuff😉

[@MLMLW]

@@sarah_loves_mittens - I know, right? I'm sure when he said that the ATC and the pilot trying to help were thinking to themselves, "This isn't a video game son. Not even close!!"

[@MLMLW]

@cake fart - That must have been horrible.

[@sarah_loves_mittens]

@@MLMLW have you had a chance to listen to the full audio? I like the flight channel but they left out a lot of key one liners from Bebop rich. And I feel they're important not only for comical value but really the whole audio has to be listening to I feel like if one was a truly understand what he had going on well hold on I don't know that he truly understood what he had going on but a lot of comical key one-liners were left out and they are critical pieces to his mismatched puzzle. Like where somebody I think Air traffic Control said something about he could have any job he wanted if he landed the plane, maybe it was pilot bill, and his response was something like I don't know about that I'm a white guy. And then when he was talking to Eric traffic control and he was trying to lighten the mood and air traffic control was kind of stumbling on what to do and what to say and he was like damn it lives depend on you! And then he realized he took it to a little heavier level than he wanted and was like really I just want you to whisper sweet nothings in my ear. And for some reason like one of my ultimate favorite ones is when he talks about how he threw up in his microphone after the barrel roll. Lol. But ... I don't know there's something just very raw about him saying I really thought that was going to be the end doing that barrel roll. Like that was his moment to back out but he couldn't bring himself to do it or something I don't know I look way too deep into this I think because I can relate to him on so many levels. I think we all have a little Sky King in us (that's what she said)

[@Rikki0]

I'm a pilot and a pretty hard-core fellow, I always thought. But I actually teared up and found myself pleading with him to get right and put it down safely. This was heartbreaking. He was so concerned about not hurting anyone else. I hope he's at peace now.

[@kerry4371]

My bro is pilot for *** airlines and yes he felt the same way " just getter down and land"...

[@thequestioner5916]

He almost did there was a log cabin about half a mile from where he crashed with two people inside

[@anhedonianepiphany5588]

Ultimately, what actual incentive was there for him to land the aircraft? He knew that he’d almost certainly be arrested for a major crime the instant he alighted. Even had someone assured him that wasn’t the case and that only help and comfort would greet him, it’s completely unbelievable. Depression is a kind of inescapable cage, and the last thing someone suffering like that wants is an additional physical cage. Perhaps we need to rethink our responses to mentally ill individuals in desperate circumstances who haven’t yet harmed others. If Rich had knowledge of people in comparable predicaments having their dysfunction taken into account and shown some mercy, it’s possible that he may have considered attempting to land the aircraft. Any suggestion that this would encourage more reckless behaviour is rather absurd, and missing the point.

[@kerry4371]

@@anhedonianepiphany5588 Nice speech but guess what book smart psychology major - if he landed the plane , he would have saved himself and the plane. Yes he would have been sentenced to time in jail and he would have been still alive to get the help needed to progress in life. What if he killed 50 people while doing this suicide mission- bet your take on this would be totally different....correct??? Go back to school and retake the courses, different professors is advised.

[@59Alaskan]

Until I read your comment, tears weren't shed... Blessings 🌿

[@stormyg9169]

People will never understand the incredible magnitude of suicide. My heart goes out to this broken man and so many of us broken people.

[@Tadesan]

People will never understand the incredible magnitude of unhappiness.

[@thebalauru3602]

Hope you doing ok out there too, complete stranger. You got this, champ 💯

[@elliotrose8836]

@@thebalauru3602 im gay

[@SECONDQUEST]

​@@elliotrose8836well keep it up champ. I like the full spectrum so we have something in common.

[@suqma]

You alright bro? Need to vent or something?

[@Heisenberg-tc9hp]

I was on the runway about to be cleared for take off at the airport where this happend. We were delayed about 4 hours and there wasn’t a lot known about what the hell was happening at the time as Richard was still flying around but it’s crazy to look back at this with more context and how he was able to fly around

[@Pattern_Noticer]

It's like the one 4 hour delay I'd take with a gigantic smile. Apologies but your flight has been delayed due to the sky king coming back for one more encore 🤩 I'd buy the entire plane a round of beers at an airport bar and wouldn't even think about it. Cheers sky king, I hope you found peace

[@TheMickeyBloo]

It may sound controversial but I salute that guy. He was in a dark place, went for one last hoorah, and went out with a graceful attitude. Struggling with deep trauma, I know he was harboring the biggest set of balls in history on that day. I'm just sorry for those he left behind and wish he'd found peace in the world he wanted to leave behind. RIP brother.

[@Bobrogers99]

"Just a broken guy." I've seen a report on this before, but again his words brought tears to my eyes.

[@1981amillia]

@Frida Pavlaski Yeah he was definitely shot down and of course they will keep that part confidential or they would get sh*t for it!!!

[@59Alaskan]

@Frida Pavlaski he wasn't shot down

[@ko7577]

How disgusting. This person was willing to kill thousands of men, women and children on the ground. Broken people get therapy. Broken people cry. Broken people isolate. They sometimes kill themselves. But they do NOT hijack an airliner knowing they don't know how to fly it and risk killing thousands of people. It's really disgusting. You're describing your feelings if the 9/11 hijackers had accidentally missed the building right? Poor them? So suicidal. Stop making heroes and tragedies out of criminals. This person lucked out and didn't kill anyone, but the fact that he was willing to, and people glorify this? You're the reason the next fucking attention whore psychopath will do something like this, and next time they will end up killing someone. *so sad though*

[@1981amillia]

@Frida Pavlaski Oh I absolutely agree that they had no choice!! He wouldn’t have been able to land the plane and I’m surprised he was able to get it off the ground and not crash instantly. There were lives at stake but even if it was justified, I’m not surprised that they would keep it hush hush.

[@daltonharris6793]

As a student pilot, I can tell you it’s impressive he managed to takeoff and fly that thing without any training. If there are other universes out there, I hope there’s one where Russell’s dream of being a pilot was realized and his story has a much more fulfilled ending. Thank god no one else was hurt. RIP to the deceased.

[@HashMaster1776]

He’s an absolute legend, he didn’t hurt anyone by intention, he crashed his plane where he did very purposefully because he was a good guy, just broken and snapped. So he decided to check off his biggest bucket list item and live his dream before committing suicide. It’s very sad. I hope his family has been able to cope.

[@bobbyfischer7179]

@@HashMaster1776 "legend" ? For committing Suicide ? Get help

[@JWSmythe]

Have you flown in the latest MSFS? If you crank the realism settings all the way up, it's really realistic, and it'll crash you if you do something wrong enough to crash. I don't like that it's cumbersome to look around at the panels and to flip switches. But you can learn where everything is, how to work them. With the current version, the graphics are amazing. You can do all the sightseeing you want from the game, you just can't get from Point A to Point B to do other things. You can buy some realistic controls too. A proper commercially made yolk, throttle, and pedals. I don't see a throttle for the Cessna 150/172, but it's a start. Some people go way overboard, and buy actual panels from real aircraft, and tie them into the game. As I understand it, you could map all the switches and everything, but it will be some effort, and you'll probably need to do some electronics work. There was a guy in one of the FB groups I'm in. He modeled the pedals, and posted them on Thingiverse. He used an ESP8266 or ESP32 to emulate joystick controls for those axis. I think he had the toe brakes in there too. The code is stupid simple, with the joystick and keyboard libraries. I just went looking for examples, and found Fran Blanche modding a Logitech quadrant to use real Cessna throttle/mix/flaps controls. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6qvmKCradOMfck I was a single engine prop pilot a long time ago. I still take a single engine prop up in MSFS. It's a whole lot cheaper than renting a real plane, and paying for fuel. :) In the game, I can ignore restricted airspace, and ignore ATC. I had fun flying under the rim of the Grand Canyon with jets.

[@hittman2005]

Check out Majestic softwares Q-400 it’s a study level sim of this aircraft.

[@ofuets]

Every pilot says that flying a plane is not hard, landing one is.

[@galaxyeater4255]

This is actually so heartbreaking. This guy wanted to live his dream so much, and he did it. He actually saw the view and felt like he is a pilot, you can hear it in his voice that he was heartbroken and excited at the same time. I felt his pain through his voice. God bless him, he didn't do anything bad. He was just a lost soul. RIP Pilot Rich

[@peterwhitey4992]

He did do something bad.

[@galaxyeater4255]

@@peterwhitey4992 You can't know what this guy has been through, he did something bad but he was lost... a lost soul

[@user-uz7ir9sc1t]

Are you on drugs?

[@lesterking2790]

​@@peterwhitey4992some have been thru things that can't be understood. You feel he broke laws tell me what broke him? He only killed his self his pain was deep . The law is why he didn't try to land first off second he didn't have enough confidence for that and the fact that he's probably going to prison if he did pull off a successful landing was why he made it a one way trip. Please let this great guy r.i.p and yes we lost a good soul that didn't want to hurt anyone . Just life beats some of us down no matter how good of a human they are. Depression is a bitch

[@yerimchi]

He was just one of the many men that are alone and ignored in the world.

[@johnstreet1812]

Amen.

[@mikep9913]

The ATC and pilot were excellent with him, gently trying to coax him down safely and talking to him like a friend. I’m not sure what else they could have done. May the Lord have mercy on Richard and may he rest in peace.

[@TheJillianRussell]

I honestly think they did the absolute best anyone could have done. No one can fault them for how this ended. No one.

[@Great-Documentaries]

There is no "lord." No Santa or tooth fairy either. Woop, woop. Grow up.

[@minirock000]

Why would your lord judge him harshly? Did he have a lord? I must admit, it can be hard to choose one, well there have been many thousands of deities, perhaps a person could pick bits they like from several and combine the traits. The ground personnel were absolute heros even if their attempt failed it wasn't from their lack of doing absolutely everything right. Sometimes when you do everything right, you still fail, that's what Richard couldn't come to terms with. He was disillusioned with the world and he could not go on any longer. He realised that life was no longer going to be similar to the ideas that are drummed into our collective "dreams". Too bad he had to blame the wrong groups (that is how the wealthy keeps us down, keep us fighting each other) but at least he did up doing most harm to the Capitalist system and unfortunately removing habitat and a number of animals he would have obviously taken with him. Perhaps he should have located headquarters before he rotated and struck where the blame lies.

[@Devogor]

@@Great-Documentaries ikr

[@derp8575]

@@Great-Documentaries That's Islamophobic, you bigot!

[@YP3CA]

He sounded very happy during his last 20 minutes. His actions were likely planned weeks before. Depression takes us to a very dark place. I'm glad he didn't hurt anyone and good for him for being happy during his last moments. RIP.

[@Jorgerally35]

He is not happy at all. He is just pretending it :(

[@loblolly777]

I know it wasn't his intent, but he hurt plenty of people. The coaching pilot, ATC, ground crew, co-workers, family, friends, the crews that had to go out and clean the mess up. All of them would have been impacted and hurt by this. Don't tell me the people trying to talk him down just went home and said, 'Oh well, tried my best, I'll move on now'. Almost guaranteed that they have wracked themselves wondering if there was something else they could have said, could have done, or done differently to arrive at a different outcome, and they will live with that for a long time. Again, plenty of people get hurt by these things.

[@lionman3378]

He didn't seem depress to me.

[@chased6222]

@@loblolly777 well said

[@junedarius254]

I’ve have heard that a suicidal person who usually shows signs of depression (showing little emotion, expressions, short or no verbal interactions, reclusive, excessive sleep, etc.) the day of their planned suicide, the person’s mood will be elevated and show signs of happiness. A feeling of euphoria that the planned conclusion will be done. As well as the ATC did coaxing off the edge to safety… in my opinion, the best counselor, therapist wouldn’t be able to stop this pre-planned suicide.

[@edwinjones1000]

I always address pilots as "Sir" or "Ma'me". They are the epitome of calm while under unimaginable pressure.

[@RMR1]

I know he put countless lives at risk, destroyed a $25 million piece of equipment and caused chaos at SeaTac that day, but my heart really breaks for Richard. A lot of us can relate to feeling "broken ... with a couple of screws loose" at one time or another.

[@707josh]

I think he wanted to end his life and this was a way to go out w a bang

[@jodyann77]

Very well said! Just like other people said he was getting this off his bucket list b4 he did this ❤️

[@Felix-Sited]

He was a very unfortunate legend.

[@mairyhuff7102]

He actually seemed like a really nice fella'. A shame really, R.I.P!

[@ashleymogensen2518]

His name was Russell

[@jamesjaneczek8256]

When He started saying sorry, my heart just dropped......

[@RPG-oh1yf]

Imagine the poor air traffic controller fearing he planned to hit a building in Seattle or something..

[@Goalkeeper8]

@@RPG-oh1yf I think from Richards words they knew he wasn't planning on hurting anyone but himself. However, it was more dangerous that he would do so accidentially by pilot error.

[@RPG-oh1yf]

@@Goalkeeper8 Correct. He risks other's lives with that unauthorized take off and flying with no experience over populated areas. It's sad but he was very selfish in deciding to end it all in this manner. Suicide affects other people and this one especially so.

[@timrainger8908]

He didn’t crash right after takeoff. He went on to demonstrate pure flying skill and ability. RIP Skyking.

[@warriorprincessharmony]

I'm amazed that he did that backflip. Could've easily been a pilot. I hate how expensive everything is, and he probably couldn't have afforded the training. Brilliant young man, passionate about flying. RIP Sky King. And what a way to go.

[@LVPB]

Backflip😂😂

[@katvacuum7510]

This guy flew AROUND for over an hour. I would hardly say that constitutes "Crashing just after Takeoff"

[@katvacuum7510]

@@psirvent8 Ever heard of something called reserve fuel? Next time maybe actually watch the video and look at time stamps before posting a half baked response.

[@6iX61RL]

the fact he’s doing something so stupid yet calm, happy & still worried about not messing stuff up while doing it says a lot smh. his mental health was definitely in shambles for a while before this! s/o to the pilot and agent for keeping him calm, they did so well.

[@alanwatts8239]

True. It's really sad, guy just loved airplanes and wanted to fly them.

[@_asantesana_squashbanana_]

I bet the guys who talked to him, as well as the other crew on the ground feel absolutely broken that they couldn't save him. But I think they knew how it was gonna end, so they did, whisper sweet nothing's to him just like he asked. Millennials have gone through a lot financially. He did mention minimum wage as a factor, though hard to tell. The reason he sounded so happy and at peace is because he knew his suffering was going to end. But what he didn't realise is just how much suffering his death would bring. Thousands of strangers hurt for the sky king. If only he knew.

[@alanwatts8239]

@@_asantesana_squashbanana_ For me it's equally sad that the only thing that made this man known and loved was his suicide.

[@daMillenialTrucker]

​@@alanwatts8239this is the sad world we live in. I know exactly what he was feeling and I've been through it, I feel like most of us probably have. The world is a cruel and dark place.

[@alanwatts8239]

@@daMillenialTrucker We will survive. Don't lose hope.

[@Chibbs.E]

Sky King... Fly on brother. Fly on. You taught us all a lot.

[@Apollo17-yz2sh]

He taught me not to steal a plane and fly it myself.

[@renataheiberg7534]

Feel really sorry for his family. Such a bright young and handsome man.

[@kirishima638]

29 isn’t young. You hit 30 and biologically speaking you’re on borrowed time after that.

[@slp-mu6uj]

As sad as this is, heartbreaking actually. You can hear the awe in his voice, being up and flying a plane and seeing the beautiful land around him. He went out on his own terms; just wish he didn't feel the need to seek out that term.

[@margeebechyne8642]

He had no way of knowing that he wouldn't kill someone when he crashed the plane. Could have been people down there.

[@davemeyers1]

?

[@NeonVisual]

We should all steal a plane and then crash it to go out on our own terms.

[@cathleenvance4441]

For some people the anguish lies in the making of the decision to take your own life. Sometimes it will take quite a long time but once the person actually makes that decision, they're attitude will most likely change. Family members and friends have been heard saying, "But I just talked to him and he was so happy". "he was in such a good mood, "I never thought for a minute that he was going to do this". If you know someone that is going through dark times and feel they may be suicidal and suddenly they're attitude changes like this...be on alert and or do something. They may have just been struggling with making a decision to end it all. My heart breaks for this guy and his family and friends.

[@slp-mu6uj]

@@davemeyers1 ?

[@RebeccaMundschenk]

I don't worship or idolize him, but I think people admire him because he seems so relatable. We've all been there, right? Feeling stuck with no way out. Like nothing will ever get better or change. I empathize with how he was feeling and WHY he did it. I don't agree with it, but I can understand.

[@derp8575]

"By 2030 you'll own nothing and you'll be happy". Yes, I completely understand. We are ruled by criminals.

[@happy2help1]

Easy for you to say that " we've all been there". Clearly we haven't because the poor souls who have are no longer with us. You may think that you have, but his act was final and absolute, just as it would be if jumping in front of a train, or from a multistorey building so your comment couldn't be any further from the truth and shows a lack of understanding about mental health and the way in a split second you can choose to end your life and then act on it. You haven't been there, and hopefully you never will.

[@UC-Jf_YAvw4Apbz-SAVM3p2A]

couldnt have said better Rebecca

[@brettrobinson2901]

Yeah...you put just right...

[@paullacey2999]

Damn you hit the spot Rebecca.....

[@Dazza19746]

RIP Richard You don’t seem a bad person, just troubled and wanting some fun before you left us. Fly high

[@user-uz7ir9sc1t]

Which drug are you on?

[@eljefe6731]

"Never really knew it until now." What a moment to have. R.I.P.

[@IamGenoBlack]

ATC and Capt. Bill handled this with care and class. Pretty amazing. As for Russell, that "I'm a broken guy." hit hard. We are all sort of broken but for him he couldn't recover. Really tragic.

[@chrisb3046]

This story always gets me on so many levels. Poor guy, the “screws loose” comment makes me emotional, a cry for help from a troubled soul. Rest in peace Richard🙏🏼 Remarkable reenactment with rare airport footage. I just found out Richard jumped into a moving aircraft in front of others watching. Great job - as always.

[@raquelpatzwald9196]

I loved his cheerful voice .... RIP

[@zacariasblanco9738]

What are you talking about he was a bad ass and whent out like one,, a coward takes others with him the SKY KING wasnt afraid he had balls and he wasnt going to land that plane no matter what for once and in the end he was free ...

[@keola64]

@@zacariasblanco9738 sad but true !

[@poutinedream5066]

The ground control guy's entire demeanor changes after he said that. He knows this won't end well.

[@nimesh0775]

@@zacariasblanco9738 well he's not free. He will have to work on his issues in his next life. But yes, good he didn't kill anyone else.

[@tecdeccollectmahekquaterfi4710]

This guy's more sane then most people would believe. What a legend.

[@rogersouthworth1619]

I'm not a therapist or a pilot but I'm not sure how you could have handled that any better....Damn Man.

[@JesusOurKing]

The original conversation should have been preserved. He expressed ideas that were unclear to many in 2018 but have become more relatable from 2020 onward.

[@8ballhemeloid]

Who

[@JesusOurKing]

@@8ballhemeloid Richard Russell

[@8ballhemeloid]

@@JesusOurKing ✌️

[@dee.f88]

I was disappointed this channel left out Richard saying, "naw, I'm a white guy."

[@jazzcardashcam]

"Crashes it just after take off"???? Dude flew around for ages and did more in it than most people here could ever do.

[@ch-ir8ld]

right, when I seen that title I was like....

[@NetworkSneed]

"I'm just a broken guy" Many of us feel you man. I hope you're some place swell, "Sky King".

[@christopherweise438]

He had so much self awareness.....yet none at all at the same time. Very bizarre. He went and did this even though he knew he shouldn't have.

[@zeushighlights5891]

@@christopherweise438 he truly felt like he had no other way out. You can plan and plan on this happening and be self aware. But you still feel like there is absolutely no way out. Depression is a deep dark horrible place.

[@ko7577]

Do you really relate to someone who could have killed thousands of people? And was willing to? This is like patting a church shooter on the back and saying, "I feel you man."

[@ko7577]

He's in hell. He had no idea how to fly that fucking plane and was willign to take thousands of lives on the ground. He's sitting right next to the 9/11 hijackers.

[@commanderrussels2612]

Press F for Respect. F

[@CRD-hi6vk]

You can hear the brokenness in his voice. He is depressed to the point of being broken and no longer cares. His false humor and happy attitude is covering a multitude of hurt. It is sad he did not get the help he needed before he came to this point.

[@psirvent8]

Help can be expensive and to be honest ineffective in some cases. Ask me how I know.

[@maryjoymary9433]

@@psirvent8 u need help ha

[@johnsullivan5525]

The poor guy. Who knows what he had experienced that drove him to that point. Life can be absolutely unimaginable, to many. Some circumstances that....employers, women...Especially women present to us,would break ANY MAN to this point. God bless him.

[@Roscoe.P.Coldchain]

No one gives a toss I’ve suffered mental health since my late teens and I’m now 53 and you just get tossed aside unless you have loads of money..Facts, my family have just refused to recognise it and have done nothing to help my cause so I haven’t seen them in 10 years now as don’t want to be a burden on their important life’s

[@disaffectedmale]

@Death Knell Unless it's a woman who's struggling. But you're right, if it's a man having difficulties then nobody cares. Till he lands a plane in their back yard...

[@frog382]

Funny and sad at the same time, especially moment he did a manoeuvrer and pilot was like "Congratulations, you did that, now come land it"

[@adamfowler350]

Man pilots are some of the best people on the planet. They have the best discipline and attitude in respect to other people.

[@xEmeraldCityx]

I remember seeing the live footage on Twitter. Seemed like everyone in the vicinity raced outside to see if they could see the plane. I hope those who mattered most to him have found closure and remember the good memories they shared together.

[@theflyingdutchman7969]

When did it happen?

[@majortugboat]

@@theflyingdutchman7969 August 10, 2018. They showed it in the video.

[@bellem.8329]

This is heartbreaking. That ATC knew this would not end well but never stopped trying to prevent disaster.

[@toriless]

Yes, the pilot kept trying to tell him he would be a hero but to deaf receptions.

[@JoshuaR1992]

This was both beautiful and heartbreaking. The conversation was something so special.

[@johnstreet1812]

That pilot and ATC controller were incredible, especially the pilot after seeing the guy do an aerobatic maneuver.

[@saedrix9807]

You can see that Richard was conflicted about doing this. He drives off multiple times before he finally pulls back up and connects his vehicle to the plane. Guy was only 29- and honestly he could have been 30 years older but there would still be plenty of time for him to make a change

[@chad1755]

In order to make a change to have to have hope. I think for some reason Richard had lost hope in his life, and to be honest, I can see how that can happen to some people. Working minimum wage, your life hasn't gone how you wanted it to, maybe you feel like you've failed at things... I can see how someone can get to that point.

[@xDefender11]

Working at the ramp, minimum wage there is little hope for a change. He probably felt he was too old/not smart enough/not enough money to start over and go to school or find a different career 😢

[@TheKaidynB]

@@aforairplane Not the place for excitement

[@Paul.......]

​@@aforairplane 🎉

[@warriorprincessharmony]

@@chad1755 True. For many people.

[@samirahenilaulainen1555]

The conversation he had with the tower was pretty heart-breaking. The lack of co-operation he displayed from the first minute tells me Richard was planning to crash.. obviously the people available were not equipped to handle something like this but it pains me that it sounds like he still had that spark in him..

[@juliemanarin4127]

He was ignorant to think he could fly that plane

[@desdicadoric]

Completely, so sad, seemed a good guy

[@mikey_bb]

To be honest, it doesn't matter what training the ATC had, if someone is intent on ending their life, no-one is going to stop them. As a sidenote, I think the ATC did as good a job as they could in this incident.

[@eszternagy]

@@juliemanarin4127 Nah, he even did a backflip. He was an aviation enthusiast who could not make it into being a professional pilot. This case has already been done by TFC.

[@zephyrsky__]

@@juliemanarin4127 the controller or the pilot? because the kid did fly it.

[@kcpoodlesofpa]

The way the pilot and AT handled this was really well. This is an outrageous story.

[@stephentarantino1313]

Outrageous? Chose your words better.A man died

[@snowman2834]

When he said a broken man, that was the alarm bell that this guy needs help, he's acting out of despair .

[@eddiec4536]

Depression is a terrible thing to overcome. A shame he didn't land safely. Got to give the controller a lot of credit as he did his best to help this poor guy to stay alive.

[@lot6129]

I dont think he wanted a jail life

[@glenn2745]

He didn't sound depressed to me. Depressed people who are suicidal have a very sad affect. This guy was calm and not very emotional. I don't think it was mental health. I think it was existential. I made a comment above, I'm curious if you think i make sense.

[@jayashrishobna]

@@glenn2745 I disagree that depressed people who are suicidal sound sad. After years of depression, they can be numb, and it sounds like he was almost cheerful that this was all coming to an end. But yeah it could have been existential too.

[@glenn2745]

@@jayashrishobna hard to know if course. I have been clinically depressed and have known many others. So there is that…

[@jayashrishobna]

@@glenn2745 so have I.

[@CosmicMapping]

The fact he actually said "Can this thing do a barrel roll?", attempted it, and FUCKING PULLED IT OFF?!?!??

[@Mypersonalxboxtestin]

This hit me hard. Poor guy. Well done to the ATC and the pilot on the ground, they did an amazing job.

[@Justin.Martyr]

*PauL

[@toriless]

They kept trying to bring his back from the distractions but he was too immature to not act impulsively.

[@margeebechyne8642]

It really bothers me about the people who tried to help him and talk him down. I sincerely hope they are not haunted by it and feel like they failed him. He didn't want help.

[@eddycarpenter8989]

poor guy? hes talking about doing a barrel role in a plane above people.

[@margeebechyne8642]

@@eddycarpenter8989 Someone from up there said where he crashed he was about two miles away from a cabin with two people in it. This guy was reckless and selfish.

[@robertd1965]

This was pretty heartbreaking to be honest. What a shame. In another reality Richard might have actually made a pretty good pilot.

[@UNABRIDGED_SCIENCE]

THIS IS NOT REAL VIDEO FYI ITS MICROSOFT FLIGHT SIM

[@voodudetexan]

@@UNABRIDGED_SCIENCE That doesn't change the fact that he flew the aircraft and did a barrel roll successfully. This is a true story not a cartoon...unfortunately.

[@margeebechyne8642]

@@UNABRIDGED_SCIENCE We know this. These presentations are simulations of what occurred based on all the data that could be collected. Occasionally there are some real photos and film, but most of the time he presents the cases with simulations.

[@probusexcogitatoris736]

What reality is that? Where trees grow upside down and the sun is the moon? This guy was way too unstable to be anywhere near an airplane. Being a good pilot has way more to do with being mentally stable and good at handling stress than technical skills. Someone clearly fucked up big time by giving him this job.

[@Joe-fn9mi]

@@probusexcogitatoris736 A reality that he wasn't unstable in then. Simple.

[@redqueen7839]

Let me say first off that thank god nobody else was hurt when he did this, but his dialog had me laughing because he took off in that thing like he was just borrowing his buddies car. Unbelievable that he was able to do what he did so confidently.

[@plasticity1000]

Sometimes, it's better to be lucky than good. He wasn't confident. He threw caution to the wind. He knew if he failed he was going to die anyways which was his desired result.

[@chriz9959]

beebo did a maneuver that no one had ever done before in this plane. you have to give him credit for that

[@neoepicurean3772]

I shed a little tear at the end of that. Seemed like a nice guy. Pulled off one hell of a 'backflip'. Wish he had tried to stick the landing. I think he could have made it, not just the landing, but life too.

[@neoepicurean3772]

@@UNABRIDGED_SCIENCE Haha. Thanks for that astute observation. I have seen the actual footage in other videos, and it looks far more impressive actually.

[@amojak]

@@UNABRIDGED_SCIENCE stop bloody spamming.

[@ItsALLCAP]

I doubt he was even in the control room when the plane began to descend for a final time. Probably just pointed it at the island and walked away.

[@Kelvin-ed6ce]

who knows what sentence he would have got. way to screw his life.

[@dennisgarringer3226]

I have watch so many of these videos, and never did I come to tears until now. This was a young man, that sounds like he had a lot of good left, just did not know how to get through his darkness. I am heart broken for all who loved him. wow, so emotional to watch.

[@sunnydaze3257]

Totally agree with you Dennis. I have a son close to his age...it hits hard.

[@christinamays-walker5215]

He was also so respectful responding to the captain in pilot speak.....he understood that he was talking to a real pilot and what he was doing wasn't respectful....it just amazes me how coherent he was...I honestly don't know how to feel about this....the manners, the consideration of others, and how they will feel, the humor, the ability to appreciate the views, he even slightly mentioned wanting to hike or something to that affect near where the Olympics were being held...I think he got up there started to regret what he was doing....but then realized that " he had" to follow through with the plan....I think for a moment, he saw a glimpse of hope....but his logic, his coherence pushed reality in the forefront of his mind.....dude, your going to die in jail. Who wants to die in jail...when you can die on your terms, doing what you want, how you want to do it. He was definitely regretful, but the lessor of two evils ...die like a Rockstar. Rest in peace young man. Rest in peace.

[@SeedFiddler-kp4eg]

I love how you showed compassion for this young man's feelings and thoughts at that moment. We could all use more friends that have your love for people. I was raised just north of Sea-Tac Airport and would watch planes go by my home as a young boy. Eventually, my wife and I bought a home not too far from where I was raised and we could watch the planes fly right above our home as they approached for landing, and the windows of our house would shake. To hear this sad story from so close to home kind of hit me. Thanks again for the respect you showed this troubled young man. God bless.

[@eyden1562]

So, I haven't seen this footage before, but I have watched other channels cover this story. So, his job clearly led to some ability to understand plane controls for movement. But in his position, he wasn't supposed to be knowledgeable enough to fly. However, apparently during his time working as a tow guy, whenever he had the opportunity to do so, he would ask pilots who were with him about the controls. He would point out certain buttons or mechanisms and ask what they did, and the pilots would gladly let him know. So it wasn't just video game practice over the years. He had slowly been acquiring knowledge and had probably thought about doing this for a long time and likely didn't know whether he would ever follow through on it. 😢❤️ My heart goes out to his family.

[@renferal5290]

He left this world his way and, thankfully, didn't hurt anyone else. I hope he is now at peace. My heart goes out to all who loved him and were his friends

[@DaveDepilot-KFRG]

he's not a peace, he's dead!

[@MrGrumbleguts]

Didn't hurt anyone else? the cost to the airline and their passengers was immense.

[@ocromiun]

@@MrGrumbleguts there were not passengers inside. The airline used their insurance

[@1981amillia]

@@MrGrumbleguts Ummm I think the airline has plenty of money but it didn’t cost them anything because it said in the video that the 30 million was paid by the insurance with no deductible!!

[@thehuguenot5615]

He stole a jet. That's not something a Christian does. And as the bible says, only born again christians will enter heaven. Therefore this guy is not in heaven and certainly not in peace. In fact he is for sure looking back on his life and extremely regretful for everything he did that led up to where he is now. And he's in a place that he will never be able to leave, for eternity.

[@AlexJ1037]

I can’t imagine what the controller and the (true) pilot must have been feeling as they were communicating with Mr. Russell. It was also heartbreaking to hear how Mr. Russell felt about himself. It’s good that no one on the ground was hurt but this is still a very sad and tragic story.

[@ko7577]

Is it? Were the 9/11 hijacker's lives tragic? Just because they hit the building and this moron didn't doesn't mean both weren't willing to kill other human beings to get their point across. This is a criminal. It's really fucked up that in today's world, there are people who literally feel bad for someone who could have killed thousands of people.

[@thomasneal9291]

@@ko7577 "Were the 9/11 hijacker's lives tragic?" how do you know they weren't?

[@AlexJ1037]

@@ko7577 No one is condoning his irresponsible and dangerous act but I don’t think his intent was the same as the intent of the 9//11 hijackers. Big difference. Like I said, I am glad that no one else was hurt.

[@1966cambo]

@@ko7577 you seriously can’t see a difference between the 2?

[@captainharpy2908]

@@ko7577 Give Richard a break. The guy had no intent of killing anybody. He crashed on an island that did not have anybody one well I could be wrong on the whole island having no one on it but still though. The terroists on the other hand can rot in a hole deep in hell.

[@PermisoMMG]

He sounded like a cool dude. Like you could meet him in the bar and talk about football or whatever. RIP

[@Ken-fh4jc]

Air traffic control and the other pilots deserve a lot of credit. They were a class act.

[@ryanj7986]

Damn, that ATC guy and the pilot could teach us all a thing or two about patience under stress. They kept their cool and came up with a plan in a crazy, once-in-your-career situation.

[@randomvintagefilm273]

Yes, two very mature men

[@oxorox972]

Suicide is not about wanting to end your life. It's about wanting to end the pain. RIP Richard. I wish you had chosen a more healing path.

[@ronaldmessina4229]

Suicide is a mortal sin,,,period…hope and pray he is not in hell, but was saved by the grace of Almighty God

[@unknown81360]

​@@ronaldmessina4229what a terrible comment

[@quietquitter6103]

God bless him, I hope he's resting peacefully and watching over us.

[@MargotDobbie]

Rest in peace Richard. Went out like a legend

[@kariusbaktus165]

RIP Sky King, you'll never be forgotten.

[@symphonias661]

Small error in the tittle card, it's supposed to be "Sky King"

[@robertasummers1005]

Tittle small error. Title is correct spelling

[@zlotywest860]

He truly was a Microsoft Flight Simulator pro. He tried the stunts over water and didn't want to harm anyone else, Landing on airport was to risky for him. Sucidial or not, he paid for his own stupid decisions with only material damage.

[@coyotekakakaway4788]

Sky daddy*

[@robloxian1014]

@@robertasummers1005 lol I love when someone corrects a spelling mistake and then makes ANOTHER spelling mistake.

[@Pattern_Noticer]

Some angels have to steal their wings. He didn't crash it, he went home.

[@Hixdey]

My man was like "Yo, what if i flew this plane? bet I can do it!"

[@MB-hc2xw]

This is one of those cases where I genuinely felt sad for the guy. He clearly had issues. Thankfully he didn't take anyone else out with him.

[@simonacuthbert1]

Issues?

[@rstidman]

@@simonacuthbert1 He owned a lot of magazines and it was causing a lot of clutter in his life.

[@lungzish]

Yeah, i'm also glad he didnt take anyone with him.

[@simonacuthbert1]

@@rstidman I'm astonished that people are doing the 'oh the misunderstood guy' nonsense. Issues; its the great catch-all these days, isn't it?

[@JoelLinus]

This dude crashed on an island where people could have been walking around or even living there, not to mention all the animals.

[@MarieAntoinetteandherlittlesis]

“Just a broken guy… I’ve got a few screws loose and I never really knew it until now.” I’m not a guy but that is still so relatable. I wish Richard had gotten help. What an epic way to commit suicide. We’ve all got a few screws loose. Kudos to these guys for speaking to him with compassion. I know they were probably panicked inside but they did their best. I hope Richard’s family can find peace.

[@UNABRIDGED_SCIENCE]

THIS IS NOT REAL VIDEO FYI ITS MICROSOFT FLIGHT SIM

[@pauloconnor7951]

Yes; they were calm; and never accusative. No fault with the Tower guys or pilot. Richard just had an evil purpose for self destruction. Some Dianetics could have given him help and happiness per reports from others.

[@slp-mu6uj]

@@UNABRIDGED_SCIENCE I don't see where Thanksbutnothanks said anything about the aircraft. Everyone knows this is simulated, but the audio is quite real.

[@showtimemahomesttv6320]

They didn't care about him. The idiot was risking the lives of potentially hundreds of people. I understand he was hurting but the way people make this guy out to be a hero annoys me. One error and he's plunging toward a neighborhood with no idea how to stop it. He got lucky.

[@MarieAntoinetteandherlittlesis]

Showtime Mahomes- I never said he’s a hero. He’s NOT a hero, and what he did was irresponsible and insane. I said that I can relate to feeling like you have a couple of screws loose. Nowhere did I praise the man who did this.

[@thekrunkymonkey]

This story always just break my heart you know. Hell of a way to set your own terms and end things. Vale dude.

[@cdrum5994]

RIP to that lost soul. The kid was obviously intelligent but didn’t know his purpose.

[@SpiceVisuals]

i remember watching him fly over my work at the time. i received a notification about a hijacking at seatac shortly before my coworkers and I saw him flying above. whole area was shaken up for quite some time but he's now a local legend, albeit from infamy. god speed sky king

[@Samantha-pn4zk]

That's actually really cool that you witnessed his final flight. Glad he is thought of somewhat fondly locally.

[@flame_half]

I'm happy to hear the last part. I remember hearing about this story the day it happened and just being broken up about it for some reason. I don't know why, but I can't help coming back to it. He seemed like such a good guy, and everyone around him says he was kind and gentle with no history of anything violent or criminal. The intrusive thoughts won that day. RIP Sky King.

[@devonblackwood9050]

He was a very sick man and deeply troubled

[@johnqpublic2013]

phhh...legend? Like the Barefoot Bandit? Both are jerks, NOT legends!

[@theoregonaviation5]

"I've played video games before so I know what I'm doing a little bit."

[@darienbrewer8317]

What a sad outcome. He was suicidal and wanted to enjoy the skies and scenary one past time before his demise. I commend him for not wanting to take others with him. I hope that he's been able to find peace in what lies beyond.

[@crystaldawn9255]

Listening and watching on TV live here 15 mi south of Seattle, we didn't expect to get emotional. My husband and I pride. I think we all love him because we can all relate to being broken sometimes and it just hits you in your heart. He doesn't seem like a bad guy either. A sweet guy who's broken, it gets your heart. RIP sky King

[@Name-lt2tz]

aha, not a bad guy, stealing 30 million and risking killing other innocent people if they were in place where he crashes.

[@HughBond-kx7ly]

Yeah you are right on dude my sentiments exactly. it seems only you and me and maybe Alaskan management don't feel sorry for this loser

[@user-zr7ws2lp6q]

"I'm not going there to die, I'm going to find out if I'm really alive" Fly high, sky king

[@rstidman]

BEST.SUICIDE.EVER. Really, every suicidal person should take this incident to heart.

[@heyitspete6472]

maximum cringe

[@zephyrsky__]

​@Ernesto Brooks "I couldn't be promoted/a pilot, i'm white" cringe shit

[@karlepaul6632]

When this happened, I thought it was odd. Then after getting all the information, and actually hearing the conversation that took place, I just felt incredibly sad for this guy.

[@AnyoneCanSee]

I actually totally understand what was going on with him. It brought a tear to my eye. I'm sure a lot of the kids posting will eventually understand life and Richard a little better.

[@martin1234512345]

This guy is my spirit animal. I won't be able to go out in as grand a way as that, but boy, can I appreciate it. Fly high Feebo.

[@giraffesinc.2193]

This was so heartbreaking, and thank you, TFC, for presenting it in such a compassionate manner. ATC and that pilot did everything they could for that young man - I do wish he had landed and moved on with his life instead of ending it. Hopefully ATC and the pilot know they did an outstanding job and can move on in peace.

[@joycampi7233]

Richard wanted to have his last hurrah. It was sad to hear him say that he'd be disappointing alot of people. ATC handled it beautifully. RIP Richard. He's probably doing barrel rolls right now! 🙏

[@deb3670]

All of these videos are sad and heartbreaking but this one brought tears. At first I thought, what is he doing? What is he thinking?! As I listened I started to like Richard. There was calm with excitement in his voice. He was excited to fly, it seemed to calm him. He was doing something he'd wanted to do. He did the rollover and they congratulated him, I know they were holding their breath. He enjoyed it up there. The last few minutes of his life he was happy. Maybe happier than he'd been in a long time. He apologized to the ones who love him. He was living his video game. He had no plans to land. He left happy. The men in the tower handled him beautifully. They didn't show him anger or raise their voice to him. They spoke to him like he was a human being. Those men did an amazing job. Thank you ❤️ This one will stay with me. Something about the calm in Richard's voice and the happiness he felt. Rest in Paradise Richard. You're flying now. ❤️

[@charlesosbun3642]

AMEN!!