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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@UserName-b8g]

@@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?" 😏

[@DailyFunnyVideos-18012]

@@MrKylePopovich damn thats so dark

[@CGplay186]

@@DailyFunnyVideos-18012 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

[@alexokin6819]

Anyone want to write a spec script go misjuor tarantino n avery. We can go fro rags to riches i got a conect in industry, lik paul ribisi n luke hass in entourag no scientologues im talki remedial remini. We mak a diner scene befor relate to db n 1930s artisan culture, den conspiracize this kid was d nephew of d muligon wh ocrashed koby wel craft d white paper decentralized lik satoshi dis can b a go to movie. An oscar scene vincent! Whos with me

[@zoerichman8606]

Amazing grand professional staff.

[@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.

[@Ballaholic17]

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.

[@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

[@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.

[@jrbaretta]

When are you NOT under the influence?

[@Indigenous51]

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

[@samarittan9308]

If he had landed he would have been sent to federal prison for the rest of his life which would not help with his depression by any means. He'd probably end up hanging himself in jail.

[@petep.2092]

I believe he had CTE from too many concussions playing football in high school and he kept it a secret. But he knew that it was the end for him and wanted to go out while his brain still had the ability to be cognizant of the world around him and also be cognizant of his actions, to give him some sense of accomplishment in a life tragically cut short just due to playing football, that could have been prevented if the cowardly sports authorities had not hidden and denied the dangers of repeated concussion just like the tobacco industry hid the dangers of smoking.

[@mopnem]

Yup nice guy….yup. Lol people want to give some people all the benefits of doubt. He could’ve crashed into u or yr loved ones had you been in that area at that time. Bet then u wouldn’t be all like “nice guy”…

[@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.

[@one1onetime935]

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

[@dozer3955]

Sure does

[@SavedbybGrace]

Yep… sums me up but I keep pressing on. It’s a tough gig but despite the usual life difficulties I have it pretty damn good at 66. My mum died at 23 and I guess it kind of left me a bit damaged… For life as it turned out!

[@user-ml5yw8tf8b]

@@SavedbybGrace Each day is a struggle, but we find reasons to continue. There is so much beauty in the world. Carry on and seek it out.

[@SavedbybGrace]

@@user-ml5yw8tf8b Yes your’e 💯% right,. And my situation is very good by comparison to the majority. No complaints from me!

[@arjanpatel4895]

@@user-ml5yw8tf8bby any chance do u like indian guy like me?

[@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 🌿

[@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…

[@northwestprof60]

Stop glorifying this. This was not some 15-year-old kid who stole his dad's Buick for a joyride. This guy put thousands of people at risk. The people on this site who are making light of this are part of the problem. Potential terrorists must have loved this, this fruitcake gave them a blueprint

[@adjoho1]

Yeah there was real sadness there from Tower. I can't imagine how it must have affected him after...

[@chuckbeedle1983]

I heard and felt the same thing too.

[@Zoeybeau_1]

The fact that the empathy felt in the comments on here reflect the pain and horror felt in the tower, and for the guy himself, shows humanity is not lost.

[@craycraywolf6726]

For sure for sure, it's great to see. It's sad the circumstances surrounding it and my heart goes out to Richard and all involved that day, it's just good to have some faith in humanity restored.

[@Trenchant463]

10% empathy and 90% anxiety to say whatever it takes to get this guy safely on the ground so he doesn’t kill himself or anyone else.

[@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...

[@rezopolis]

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

[@closeyamy]

@@rezopolis 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 😂

[@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.

[@james-faulkner]

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.

[@derp8575]

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

[@uniqueurl]

@@Great-Documentaries there is no lord. Only hookers, drugs , guns , music and parties. I get ya mate. Satan is winning on hoomans

[@The_Underreactor]

I worked with him for a few years and I have nothing but fond memories of working with him. He was reliable.

[@2jzandys444]

I worked the same job at seatac for Horizon in 2015, I never knew him, but it is a wild story for me. The GSA's had too much access to the planes without supervision honestly.

[@chuckbeedle1983]

@@2jzandys444 yeah something needs to be done on that aspect for sure.

[@420hotbox36]

​@2jzandys444 why do they need to be supervised? It's not like 9/11 happend

[@120bank8]

@@420hotbox36 seek help

[@badcornflakes6374]

He seemed like a laid back and goofy dude

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@deltawhiskey6785]

His final words were not included. He never intended to land. Richard said, “i think im just gonna nose it down and call it a night” he went straight into a vacant area of an island off the main shore intentionally ending his life while avoiding harming anyone else.

[@JennaSakura]

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?

[@Scorpiocatmeow644]

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

[@JennaSakura]

@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.

[@ReallyBigBadAndy76]

He was periodically threatening to use the plane to cause harm. We can all feel bad for him but he was also dangerous. These guys did the best they could.

[@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)

[@raymondkymsuttle]

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

[@jrbaretta]

What are you smoking?

[@jamesmichael9341]

@@jrbaretta 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.@@jrbaretta

[@duncancameron9855]

​@jamesmichael9341 naw I agree with him, that was a bizarre take on this video.

[@kruszer]

Most people spend their last hour alive.

[@edwinjones1000]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@QKettle]

His name was Russell

[@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 ?

[@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

[@PapaJoJ]

​@Pattern_Noticer this kind of behavior is NOT to be rewarded.

[@sterlingroberts6240]

@@PapaJoJtrue, but it’s a complex world. For me, this is more about empathy and understanding than aspiring to do what he did.

[@AlexanderKettle-rp3ox]

Were you the Alaska Airlines pilot?

[@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.

[@timrainger8908]

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

[@rogersouthworth1619]

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

[@michaelmashburn6068]

Hats off to this guy for not being selfish like most other people in this situation and hurting others. He wasnt a bad guy, just lost.

[@nyteowl8069]

Yeah I agree however it's scary how easy it was for him to take the plane and nobody noticing. God I hope their security has tightened up

[@efovex]

He could have easily hurt others if he had lost control… and it’s still $30MM in damage, even if the insurance paid it, plus certainly a lot of cleanup at the crash site. Like I don’t wanna demonize him, yeah he sounded like a nice guy, but let’s not glorify his actions either.

[@motocatz87]

​@@efovexYou make a good point. Also, ppl had to pick up body parts.

[@Al-Storm]

​@@efovexPeople got paid for those jobs, work is work.

[@mccorkle6219]

​@@Al-StormAs a retired first responder, I can tell you that people truly don't understand the mental pressure that comes with the job. We have seen things that would only be in your worst nightmares. If anyone tells you it doesn't affect them, they are lying. To me children were the hardest especially those that died at their parents hands. Just saying work isn't work and some jobs are way more stressful than others and stay with you for life, mentally.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@21stCenturySpaceOdyssey]

I noticed in this version the OP deleted the part of the radio communication, Richard was asking ATC if they would give him a job as a pilot if he landed successfully, to which ATC replied "They'd probably give you a job doing whatever", and then Richard says "Nah .....I'm a white guy" . That was conveniently removed.

[@ctmtuber]

Interesting!

[@MrLanternland]

I remember that too and I was going to post the same thing you did, Bobbylawsen9638. He was bypassed for promotion. I knew they'd cut that part.

[@21stCenturySpaceOdyssey]

​​@@MrLanternlandThanks Mr.Lanternland. There is a version out there that includes this remark.

[@petep.2092]

@@MrLanternland There were no reports that he was bypassed for promotion.

[@TruthSurge]

wow. So part of his problem was he felt that only non-whites were getting any benefits ref promotions, raises, etc. In the age of Affirmative Action, he's not wrong. He had more problems than that, though. But sad to think he thought that up in Alaska which, as far as I know, is primarily populated with Caucasians and some eskimos or is it innuit? basically, native Alaskans. What a rush that would have been to a normal person to just hop into a plane and take off. Panic, I'd say, in my case. I'd be so afraid OF crashing but since he felt nothing to lose, he just did it. The computer shots of the plane didn't really impress but at least the title was not inaccurate. The vid DID have a tiny bit of actual video of him rolling down the runway. That's about it. Borders on deceptive title, though. But its' YT, what do we expect? RIP, man. Too bad they couldn't convince him that he could get help if he just landed in the water properly and got rescued. Runway landing prob harder to pull off than just coasting into water at the proper angle. I'm not a pilot but that's my guess. Hit the surface slaw as possible with a tiny bit of nose up and maybe it was slice the back, slow it down some more then the bottom would hit and maybe just skim a bit to a stop w/o big impact. They tried, at least.

[@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.

[@brettrobinson2901]

Yeah...you put just right...

[@paullacey2999]

Damn you hit the spot Rebecca.....

[@myzacky96]

I hear you, Rebecca

[@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.

[@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?

[@AA-TokahtheGreat]

Being a broken guy myself, I can completely understand his perspective. I have suicidal ideation, and it's a daily battle to keep those demons at bay. I feel like he and I are cut from the same cloth.. but something caused us to lose our way, and while lost, the damage that had been done took its toll... and we broke. He is now one of the reasons I keep fighting, though. He showed me what it would look like from one perspective, and in a way, it's like he challenged me to show what the other perspective looks like. So that's why I'm still here.. that's why I'm still going.. even though "I'm just a broken guy."

[@eileeneamon9070]

Keep going, get some help, reach out to friends, family.....keep fighting, please. Find a purpose that you can enjoy.There will never be another you. You are a miracle! Love and hugs to you from Montana.

[@AA-TokahtheGreat]

@eileeneamon9070 Thank you so much. You don't know how much your comment means to me. 🥹😊

[@bubblesbubbles3415]

Hey you! Do you know God personally? I know how DIFFICULT it can be to read the Bible but getting to know God helped me get out of that depressive pattern and always wishing to die/be dead. I'm not saying it is perfect but I'm SO happy to be out of that pattern of thinking and not feeling like I'm in a dark abyss daily. There was one night when I was alone, in my living room laying on my couch with all the lights off just trying to go to sleep. I was crying, depressed, felt like I was in the darkest/blackest place I had ever been in my entire life. I just started crying out to God and He met me right there that night. I felt like I was floating, His spirit surrounded me, we were communicating but I wasn't talking out loud. ALL my pain, sadness, anger, jealousy, bitterness, unforgiveness, loneliness left my body. He showed me what His love is. The unconditional, perfect, beautiful love He has for us, a Fatherly love. He was showing me what I have to look forward to for ETERNITY with Him and just how TEMPORARY this tiny little amount of time is on earth. To God a day is a thousand years and a thousand years a day. Time means nothing to Him. He is Eternal and He loves you very much despite EVERYTHING. Ask Him to show Himself to you. Ask Him to put into perspective how this life is just a vapor and if we trust in Him we have a hope, a JOY, by looking to a future of eternity with Him where He is just going to love on us 24/7. He is going to WIPE away every tear (He currently counts our tears 😳) and pain and sorrow and sickness and loneliness. I'm praying today for you friend.

[@AA-TokahtheGreat]

@bubblesbubbles3415 Thank you, bubbles. I really appreciate that.

[@eileeneamon9070]

@@AA-TokahtheGreat ❤

[@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

[@OutdoorsWithChad]

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]

@@OutdoorsWithChad True. For many people.

[@snowman2834]

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

[@APR1037]

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.

[@thomasneal9291]

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

[@APR1037]

@K O 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]

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

[@erfahnh7127]

@K O it's fucked up that someone would compare a suicidal guy to a terrorist whose intention is to kill as many people as possible

[@saminaneen]

@@thomasneal9291 How do you keep the toads from clogging your pipe screen when you smoke them?

[@Cekkkko21212]

He was such an angel. He lost everything. He appeared so happy in his final moments.

[@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.

[@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 😢

[@jrbaretta]

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

[@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.

[@sootchh4055]

Pilots and ATC are two of the hardest and underappreciated professions...

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@bubblesbubbles3415]

​@@RPG-oh1yf🙄🙄🙄 Stop with that stupid selfish word when it comes to suicide. Just stop.

[@Deadchannel_321]

"Just a broken guy got a few screws loose" everyone has that feeling sometimes

[@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.

[@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.

[@PhoebusAmoebus]

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

[@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."

[@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.

[@eljefe6731]

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

[@teshamiller6001]

The way these men came together and stayed calm and tried to help him the best they could. They all sounded so deeply saddened for him. He seemed eerily at peace and ready to go. Poor guy. I hope his family is healing. RIP Richard❤

[@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.

[@MrLanternland]

Not to mention doing a successful barrel roll! The video is mistitled.

[@lisashelton5468]

Yeah

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@jrbaretta]

You could use some 'help' too.

[@CosmicMapping]

@@jrbaretta 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?

[@RobertFairweatherLuvMachine]

The people on the island were quite pissed off that he dumped on their quiet escape. Look it up. RIP Ski King.

[@emdiar6588]

@@CosmicMapping You are as much a dick as the OP.

[@decimated550]

​@@RobertFairweatherLuvMachineHe may have been one of the earlier victims of dei diversity, equity and inclusion. He said something in his final conversations with the control tower about because he's a white guy. He probably had a terrible boss who was black or Spanish, he probably never got employee of the month because he was white and they were advancing black and Spanish everything. Probably hadn't seen a pay raise in years and saw diversity hires getting hired after him and getting paid more than him

[@johndoyle4723]

Thanks, of course I knew the story, but you really presented it well. Such a very sad story, seems unbelievable that a non pilot could do this, thankfully no-one else was hurt.

[@Nebbia_affaraccimiei]

videogames are good.

[@tumekeehoa3121]

He'd talked to pilots and they had showed him some procedures over the years in addition to simulation. His flying consisted of applying full power waiting until it's going really fast and pulling the thingy back, oh I'm in the air now let's play with the controls. It's not the act of a genius aviator.

[@MarkiusFox]

Flying a plane isn't particularly difficult. It's landing which is difficult.

[@GrandDuchessAniya]

@@Nebbia_affaraccimiei too many folks think they can do things in real life if they're good at them in videogames.

[@GrandDuchessAniya]

@@MarkiusFox taking off isn't exactly easy. He could have rotated too soon or too late.

[@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.

[@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.

[@Calvin-r93]

Blows me away of the nonexistent of security to prevent plane hijackings to this day. Anybody can do this if they have the right clearance and a brain.

[@vitty7465]

Ya that guy who checked his id and let him pass should of known lol

[@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!

[@JoshuaR1992]

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

[@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

[@War4theWest]

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]

@@War4theWest 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.

[@War4theWest]

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

[@jayashrishobna]

@@War4theWest so have I.

[@Raven78822]

I remember when this plane flew near my house that day. It was flying lower than the usual planes in the area. We were used to air force and flight school planes flying nearby so you can tell when something isn't right. It was low enough that you could see it was a large turbo prop. When i found out he crashed on Ketron Island I was really sad.

[@greenfingersgardener822]

You could almost be chatting to a lottery winner there, he was so calm and happy, the way he went about things, Depression, is the hardest thing to see in a person, they hide it so well. R.I.P my good man x

[@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.

[@asteverino8569]

I cry for this guy and almost understand his head. The controllers and pilot did their best. Sorry about Richard deciding to end it this way. Glad he didn't kill or hurt anyone on the ground. His family and airline employees suffered though. Rest in Peace.

[@overleveninvayrac3756]

lol , but why do you believe this was real? It was a psy-op. Now you understand what they can do with CGI.

[@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.

[@northwestprof60]

not controversial, just muddle-headed and wrong

[@CriticalTechReviews]

@@northwestprof60 real smart comment

[@fvckingtest]

@@northwestprof60 Lemme guess you cry more about the insurance payouts, scrambled jets, and diverted aircraft that day that cost millions rather than reflect on a troubled mans last moments...Yeah you aren't a human being anymore.

[@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.

[@commanderrussels2612]

Press F for Respect. F

[@PEACEinYESHUA-oj7vc1pk7w]

♥️🙏

[@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!!

[@yerimchi]

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

[@johnstreet1812]

Amen.

[@kolarz2128]

It's not that. It's the way you can deal with this. There are mens like this who are doing just ok

[@Icewind007]

@@kolarz2128 No, they are not ok. Your mindset is exactly the problem. People ignore men's mental health.

[@kolarz2128]

@@Icewind007 you clearly didn't understand what I said. I said that the cause you want to point as a reason for mental health problems is not real, because everybody in the same situation would have to suffer it and that's not the case (being alone for instance). Of course someone with mental health issues should look for help and overcome whatever issues are there within his mind, but the real healing will come about not by changing external reality, but rather by changing the way somebody looks at the world and his problems. So don't tell me that my mindset is problem. If everybody had my mindset there wouldn't be any problems. 😂

[@Icewind007]

@@kolarz2128 You clearly did not communicate any of that in your last comment. And I also disagree. It's one of the many tactics to minimize issues. You essentially said nothing more than "that's your problem".

[@adamfowler350]

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

[@thessalonician]

I feel so so sorry for poor Russel. He sounded like a great chap. RiP. Thank God that he didn't cause any unintentional casulaties on the ground though.

[@mj-gr8uy]

Richard

[@sarcasticguy4311]

@@mj-gr8uy It's Russel now.

[@CircumstancesNeverMatter]

@@sarcasticguy4311😂😂😂😂😂

[@zerotoinfinite2006]

He didn't ask for help even when he was flying. He just pretended that he is listening and asking help but he actually didn't want to do it at all. He changed the conversation topic every time. May be that's what happened in his personal life. He wanted help but he is too resistive to accept it. People might have tried to help him but he just want to think what he is thinking. Like he did here.. changed the topic. It is really hard to convince these kind of people but listening to his conversation.. I can feel that he was a nice and caring person.

[@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

[@jrbaretta]

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

[@johnstreet1812]

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

[@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...

[@OleGeezerCirca1941]

I've seen this incident on several other channels. but by far, this version is the best. Better than well produced😀👍

[@deconteesawyer5758]

Yep we can do without a narrator moralizing theorizing and putting spin on things.

[@corgidoodle]

I remember I was in Seattle for a vacation at the time of the incident and it was honestly really shocking. Little did I know the ATC handled it really well and it was a sad tragedy.

[@RaulBlanco-z5x]

This guy was so talented that he achieved maneuvers no one else ever did. God rest your soul my brother....

[@ashrafulhaque8759]

This is the best aviation disaster video I have ever seen! There could a beautiful movie made out of this. Something about this Richard character that gets me.

[@kingtiger322]

This character Richard is truly something else. Completely fearless. It really takes some balls to do that. This proves that airlines should do phyisic evaluations on any employee that's handles aircraft

[@OutdoorsWithChad]

No it doesn't. The fact that this is such a rare occurrence "proves" that its not really necessary.

[@antonbellis2397]

what should he fear when he wants to suicide and the risk is dieing?

[@ralek592]

​@@antonbellis2397a guy who knows what he's facing is a hell of a lot braver than someone who doesn't get it

[@Dannyhogg101185]

I think you were trying to say psych evaluation in that incoherent ramble of yours.

[@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

[@AkDragosani]

He didn’t crash right after takeoff. He actually flew in for a couple hours

[@charlesharris9965]

This happened just north of me. I told my wife that something strange was happening when we heard the jets flying around. Sad that it had to end this way.

[@kariusbaktus165]

RIP Sky King, you'll never be forgotten.

[@ericthiel4053]

Sad. Some people just can't deal with things in their lives that hurt and I got a feeling this dude hurt a lot. RIP man.

[@mexiguayan]

@K O Huh? He literally risked no one else's life; he merely ended his own. If he only wanted attention, then he wouldn't have ended up actually killing himself. Common sense if you ask me.

[@OGKENNYD3UCE]

@K O I get it that it was very stupid and could have killed others but it didn’t and it’s over so take your pompous self elsewhere.

[@deviljes666]

@K O he wanted attention ? attention doesnt really matter if you are dead

[@toriless]

This is failure of the mental health system

[@mexiguayan]

@@deviljes666 exactly, he wanted attention to get help preventing his death

[@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.

[@irick00]

Most of the time its the person everyone avoids when they come around. It takes only 10minutes of your time to listen and provide positive feedback or ask how they are. Those 10 minutes you spend with that individual can save a life in the long run. Speaking from personal experience.

[@toriless]

Sometimes even 1 or 2 if you see them regularly. I do volunteer work, I do not believe and politician will make America Great, that is up to us to give a crap about others

[@Skank_and_Gutterboy]

Or it can kill you when he decides to go on a mass-shooting and you're the first to die because you're standing right in front of him.

[@fredspofford]

The dude was married and well liked so.. failure to avert suicide on you!

[@elonawilliams4809]

Thank God I the reminder 😢♥️🙏

[@luluseatowngetdown6251]

A lot of us spotted Rich on that warm night. From backyards and beaches across the south Puget Sound. Thanks for putting her down easy bud❤️ Fly high🕊

[@grommy1234]

Nice fleshing out of a sad story. Another great video from TFC!

[@realdeusex]

"Just a broken guy with a few screws loose " makes my cry every time. R.I.P. Sky King 🖖

[@abdulnaseer8017]

Richard was sooo calm for someone who knew he was flying to his death damn