Richard Russell, ‘Rich’: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know (Stole plane at SeaTac)

Heavy.com ^ | August 11, 2018 | Jessica McBride

[CedarDave]

Richard Russell, who dreamed of being in the military and once ran a bakery with his wife, was identified as the suicidal airport mechanic who stole an airplane from Sea-Tac International Airport and took it on a dramatic unauthorized flight, where it was chased by fighter planes as he attempted “stunts” in the air before the plane crashed.

The man known as “Rich” in air traffic control audio and dubbed the “skyking” on Twitter broke hearts on social media as people followed the unauthorized flight because it came to a fatal end. The incident led to a dramatic and tragic night on August 10, 2018, as aircraft were grounded at Sea-Tac while fighter jets followed the man and air traffic controllers tried unsuccessfully to help him land the aircraft.

On social media, Richard Russell used the name “Beebo Russell.” Although authorities have not released his name, The Seattle Times identified the man as Richard Russell.

[UCANSEE2]

I’ve never flown a Dash-8, but all of the aircraft I’ve piloted have had ignition keys. C 150 up to BE9L and much in between.

And where did you find the ignition key ?

[HKMk23]

RIP “SKY KING”
Richard Russell
N449QX
20180810