No I think when two dudes how have nothing in the world to lose meet each other and then talking to each other realize that both feel that way. What comes next is normally fuckd up.
@Elijah Wood I don't know anything about this story first time watching a video on it, but the point I'd like to make is there are some extremely realistic flight simulation video games out, that could have been what this guy enjoyed playing which is why he wanted to fly a plane to begin with. So he would have a basic understanding of what he's doing in the plane.
The man FLIPPED, He didn't go on a shooting rampage, or crash his car into a truck. He took a hell of a joy ride. -- got to respect that! Rest In peace "GAMER".
@@Freshbadvibes all the pilot taught him was startup process because he overtime asked curious questions and he just assumed it was a curious young man who wanted a future in flying since he worked at an airport already the pilot did nothing wrong didnt have him flying planes learning just answered questions
@@emmaa427 Of course there is, there's peace for everyone. There was nothing evil or wicked about what he did. He was making sure the entire time that there was nobody in any danger. He just had problems. He has his peace. And I don't think anybody should be saying otherwise.
I really doubt he could have safely landed. I think that is something he likely knew all along, which is why he didn't attempt it. Just listening to him speak he obviously did not want to harm anyone else at all, and must have known at attempt to land the plane ran a risk of him crashing into any number of things on the ground where people were. Other aircraft, ground transport, fire and safety vehicles, terminals, hangers, etc.
@@PhilAndersonOutside No he didn't do it because he didn't wanna end up in the slammer for the rest of his life, he probably could've landed it with guidance from the controllers
The most gut wrenching part of his flight, which I don’t think was in this clip, was when he says “I have a lot of people that care about me that are going to be really disappointed in me for this”.
@@BeanMachine360 when you're that deep into wanting to kill yourself and under the influence. Everything is distorted. You care about everyone and you don't at the same time. It's not about being selfish. He really was lost.
@@TetriWino I wouldn't say "disengenuous", I feel like he meant it, but that was the first time he'd ever considered how other people would feel about it.
@@The__Leo I usually follow people's actions and not their words when determining their level of culpability in a situation. In the same vein if my daughter listened to this recording and told me "he seems like a nice guy." I'd say to her.."Well all we know is that he was suicidal and a thief to the tune of 80 million dollars. Do better. " Always judge people by their actions and not their words. Always...
@@csw_bcba I think its more he knew what waited for him after he landed it, which is tons of jail time, why live the rest of your life in the slammer when you are currently flying free in the sky its like opting for a slow painful death over a quick one, the man quite literally went out on probably the highest note of his life and thats a fact cause theres no high notes in jail.
That won't be likely, if he was in that stage they can't trust him flying with passengers like have you seen what happened when a sick pilot crashed a plane with people because he was mentally ill?
@@TJsGang 😂 how pathetic are you. His intentions werent to hurt anyone but himself. He was humble and just wanted to go out with a bang. You may not like him but you responded 3 weeks ago. You definitely read all the other comments praising him and showing love. Please don't be close minded next time you respond to something.
He did play flight simulators there’s a lot of pilots that play these games for fun. So he definitely knew how to communicate with them kinda sad it was also his finale moment with us.😥
Richard- it’s been just over 2 years and I still can’t believe that was you. Not sure what was going on in life but you were sure loved by all of us at QX. I still have a selfie on my phone if you from when I left my phone in the break room. Hope you are resting in peace. Love you bro!
You can tell he was such a good man. I wish y’all could’ve seen his mental stability collapsing sooner. But I know y’all were good to him, you can tell he had no hatred towards anyone and he was full of love. Just a lost soul who couldn’t find his purpose to live. Rip to him, and I hope you’re all doing well at QX. I can tell he brought y’all a lot of smiles
One thing I appreciate about this poor man is that he only took his life, he didn’t involve others to die with him. Edit: Im trying to make a comment about this man’s last few minutes not a comment war zone.
Would you say that about a dangerous driver who ended up only killing himself? No you would say good thing just himself could have easily killed other. No different here he could have crashed it into people on the ground if he lost control
Well you don't really know what his plan was. He did say people lives are in danger. At 8:13 you can see that he was shot down by that fighter jet that was behind him. Notice the fire ball that hit the highjacked plane as 8:13. They lied when they claimed he crashed on his own.
@@dragonbrownies517 I definitely think that had a large part to play in it but there is a pain in their voices that makes me think that could have been any one of them and the least they would want is someone to treat them with respect
Most men just want to end it, but they can't because it's too selfish, I can't lie I thought about ending it too many times and the only thing stopped me is my family, leaving them with the pain, I couldn't do that. But, I swear if I had no one in my life that I cared for I would've probably did it, which is a scary thought.
Poor guy, he sounds like such a nice person “I hope this doesn’t ruin your day or anything.” He was clearly highly intelligent too I wish he would’ve got the help he needed
Why? So he can make more profits for the rich? Once your friendship pool runs dry, if you don't have any hobbies or goals, there is really no reason to stay
@laurendelune7618 i agree totally. There's always something to stick around for. My life has plenty of down times, plenty. But I have plenty to be grateful for as well.
He knew he was going to commit suicide but still didn't want to hurt others. You've got to respect that. As far as the 80 million dollar plane? Oh well. Maybe they'll start paying their employees better!
@Robert Jordan Unquallified people are getting payed better just for their skin colour. Affirmative action my ass. Im not even American and pisses me off...
@@RegretForNothing you do know the group that benefits the most from affirmative action is white women right? hopefully your racist self stays out of America
In this era of anger and outrage, where people lash out at society by shooting up schools and concerts, one man just wanted to do a barrel roll. Fly for eternity......
Why do you guys idolize this idiot? He stole a plane and put lives in danger... selfish behavior. If he wanted to die why dragging and endangering other people? He could've crashed at the airport, or with another plane, or fallen into someone's property. Ultimately suicide is the most cowardly and selfish thing you can do to your loved ones...
@@rileyrichmond7321 Yes, your life, your choice, if you want to kill yourself do it in a way you don't put others' lives in danger, also, planes don't grow on trees... he basically took someone millions of dollars, and burn them with him, but first he made sure to endanger the airport and the people who were below his stupid flying trajectory. Why are people so narcissistic nowadays, and stupid to not be able to see it. (You for example). I don't feel pity for him, he died being a jerk.
@@nomejodas2978this guy could have easily injured/killed a hundred people at least, if he really wanted to. This bro decided to crash in a location where he'd be the only one harmed. He didn't even want to make the air controllers days worse. He felt sorry for inconveniencing them. He just wanted to have fun in his last moments.
@ryan miller The ATC probably still wonders to this day if he could have said anything different that might have saved the guys life and got him to pressurize the cabin and try to land. Nothing he could have done, but I doubt that the ATC was enjoying himself, because he understood the danger of the situation and the likelihood of a catastrophe.
It is really strange and sad at the same time how this guy just sounds like he is full of life just minutes before committing suicide. I hope his soul rest in peace.
it seems to be a fairly common thing supposedly that the day of the suicide people tend to act almost elated and full of life because theyve come to terms with that. dont quote me 100% but pretty sure i read or heard that somewhere.
Stole an empty plane, flew around to during twilight hour to see a beautiful view of the sunset, decided to pulled off a legendary barrel roll for fun, then called it a day. I’m not condoning what he did but I do understand. But also, but if there was ever a way to go out…..
phil hems / Anyone can throw a plane through loops and rolls if they have no fear, real skill is flying smoothly, flipping the right switches to keep the computer happy, and flying without reference to the ground. I have both flown smooth flights in real (small) planes and did this sort of stuff in flight simulators. It’s eerie how similar those flight sim sessions were to this guys footage
Anybody with extensive experience in aviation based video games can pull off something like this! That doesn't mean it's easy, in some ways video games are harder than the real thing though
@@-caesarian-6078 no not everyone can do aerobatics! It takes a lot of skill to do something like this and still not stress the plane enough that it breaks apart! Think I learned from video games which is very much like the real thing
will schultz / I did not mean to say that aerobatics are easy, I meant that rich never planned on coming out of them alive. When inside a loop, you have no clue about when to pull up to clear the ground. This comes from bob Hoover himself. The only way that loops like what rich pulled off are possible is by guessing and being right. As for his video game experience, I have a basic flight simulator and use it to help my training, but it is definitely easier than flying for real. The biggest place where simulators are lacking is the lack of g-forces (the main enemy for pilots in aerobatics) even with riches “video game experience” he would not have much mental capacity to use it while being subjected to the g-forces found in these real maneuvers. It takes pilots months of flying to overcome motion sickness in normal flying, and years more time in aerobatics. This is not including the lack of oxygen he was suffering (he did not know how to pressurize the cabin) and the stress of flying a plane for the first time in an urban area with other traffic. I was genuinely surprised that he survived that loop, and I think he was too, based on him giving his “I was thinking just nose down and this is it” comment immediately after.
@@-caesarian-6078 yes I definitely have to agree with you there, he definitely would not have been used to the g forces. I think as far as the loop is concerned he probably guessed on how much altitude he would need to pull it off, judging by the video he didn't have much altitude left when he came out of it so he judged that pretty close LOL. I'm not sure what altitude he was at but if he was ten thousand feet or below he wouldn't need the pressurization. He did mention in his one comment that he threw up a little bit so I imagine that was from doing the loop or when he was flying upside down LOL
Chris Farley as well. And I can attest firsthand that the ones that are joking around are usually the ones that are hurting the most. In my last and what I've decided final attempted suicide (that I promise i will not attempt again because, obviously, I can't do it correctly) in my suicide notes I was making jokes. Because if you're not laughing you're crying, and I was so sick of crying. I didn't want anyone else to be crying. Plus any opportunity you can get where you make people laugh, that's just feels good! even if it's like a future opportunity, where you know when they're reading it they're going to laugh. It feels nice. it feels good. sometimes it's the only feel good of the day those of us with depression get.
@@yakkaym564 it was more than just depression, he physically was dying and was hiding it from the fans because he didn’t want us to see him that way, his brain was getting effected and he couldn’t be funny anymore like he was, he couldn’t do it.
Dude has the majority of the world missing him already. What a personality, one who seems so positive hiding so many demons. Goes to show you never know how people are truly feeling on the inside. So be nice people.
He seemed like a really considerate guy, always mentioning about others before himself. Unfortunately he wasn’t happy with the way he was living. He must have learned lots about airplanes from being around them all day long, in order to do the stunts he pulled off or even just getting the plane off the ground would have taken some know how prior to this event. And I think it was a bit more then just practice on video games. Although many people learn to fly with flight simulator, so maybe he played that. Let me know you thoughts.
Aiden Torres...I assume he played flight sims... maybe that's what he meant by"video games". Personally, I've played flight sims for the past 8 years, and I would be pretty confident taking a plane up, a plane that I am familiar with, and with an experienced pilot by my side, just to keep me right...This dude was a Horizon employee, Maybe had access to his favourite plane and cockpit day in day out? Maybe he would rehearse the start up procedure when all alone in the cockpit? So sad he had a mental illness and suffered in silence. Such a likeable chap. R.I.P
Tear in my eye for this man. No idea who he was but I would go to his funeral without a doubt back up in seattle. Sorry ya didn't make it Rich. Rest easy.
May you find peace and joy on the other side Rich........you sounded like any momas beloved son......I am deeply sorry you felt the crash was your only choice.
Oh my, I'm in tears listening to Rich, and he sounds like a beautiful soul. So sad he felt this was his only option. You can tell he was a good guy, cause he didn't wanna hurt anyone else.😢
It's funny he did this because of minimum wage, if he was in a country like mine....God almighty we would have all been dead because of what we earn, Americans need to be greatful, I will wash poo if I was in America just to earn a living and be happy
It is so insane because the kid was troubled and actually seems like a nice guy who made it clear that he doesn’t want to hurt anyone. You never know what goes on in the mind of someone else, especially how calm he is I guess he knew he didn’t wanna live anymore. Obviously, because he said he wasn’t planning on landing it
Yeah right. More likely some a**hole running some black budget project smuggling highly illegal crap effed up and crashed a plane so they had to scramble and write the laziest excuse of a narrative possible to be squawked by the mainstream media parrots. Wouldn't be the first time.
This guy seems a very likeable, nice guy. I can be a lifelong friend with him. I'm a private pilot (small plane) , so I can take him up for a flying any day he wishes. We will split costs and have a hamburger at another airport we fly to. If he was my friend for real, I'd wish I was there to help. He didn't have to die. I wish he seek help before he did what he did. If he wanted to be a pilot, there was a way, not that. It aches my heart. Such a tragedy.
@@garagelife9193 That’s so awesome if you. You seem like someone who could of been a cool friend to him. Mental illness is a sad thing. I really really feel for his wife and family.
What an absolute mad lad, he had 0 training but talked to pilots and even to this day the PD is confused how he knew how to fly, Rest In Peace King, you maybe gone but you're not forgotten
the media painted him as a devil. but the most herioc thing you can do is treat devils like they're human. its easy to be kind to people that you like but what makes a good person is willing to be kind when its difficult. i have a feeling sky king had a difficult life trying to be kind
Sounds like he just really was looking for someone who cares for him. I mean idk. And idk his situation. But by the way he talks. Just seems like a really nice guy who just needed a friend
@NightWolf he wasn't a "nice guy". He was married and was a jock in highschool. Had friends too. Guy was just unhappy and did this instead of taking a pill. Dont make him out to be an inspirational figure or martyr. Seemingly happy people get fucked by life too
No matter how bad it got for Rich in his last few months. He went out happy, you can hear it in his voice. Was probably never more alive in his whole life and its ironic that it was just before he decided to end it. This is beautiful in the most strangest of ways. Hope you got your Licence in the place beyond the sun, Rich. Because heck did you deserve it.
@@-UNKNOWN-13 No, he's literally flying a plane for the first time with no training. Humans aren't supposed to fly, his body was shitting it. He was absolutely at peace with death here - realising that it's about to actually happen, though, is cause for sickness.
@@-UNKNOWN-13 wrong he even said in the video if you had been paying attention he wanted helping finding the controls to pressurize the cabin. Low pressure
@@jamieeddolls5605 wrong he even said in the video if you had been paying attention he wanted helping finding the controls to pressurize the cabin. Low pressure
Life just isn't fun for people anymore, especially young people. Since the 90's corporations have taken over completely and the world dances to their tune. Sad.
@@edwardp8927 They used the republican party to stifle labor laws like minimum wage and allow US corporations to operate overseas with impunity, not that the DNC isn't complicit in corporate capture of regulation as well, just look at Machin. When both parents have to work full time and still barley make it, there is little opportunity to be politically informed and participatory. Too bad we are so cowardly and cant get more then two parties going.
@@edwardp8927 I hadn't been inside a walmart for almost 15 year until recently. When I went inside I saw the prices and realized why people make these choices. Anyone on a budget could hardly afford not to shop in ways that are destroying our nation.
I feel like he was one of those guys who made everyone else laugh but was miserable on the inside. I really feel sad for him. I hope there was no fear or regrets in his last moment, but I also wish he was still alive.
Hell no, it is sad cuz you’re absolutely right he made everyone else laugh, it sucks he’s gone, but he went out on his own terms, he was free, absolute legend
As a former Horizan Air ramp agent 2015-2019, I can say majority of ramp agents are like this lol hella personable, down to earth and a little wild. I appreciate him advocating for higher wage - they paid us in scraps. RIP to this man.
i think he said chalk this up to minimum wage. but again its still a joke either way. he was basically saying i did this because i didnt get paid enough. in hopes that theyd take his joke seriously and pay the employees more. but still i think he knew that itself was also a joke and would never happen.
Because he knew that even if he did choose to try and land it, he might botch the landing and survive... and be arrested, most likely, and have you ever been to county? Or any prison? I mean, he could crash the plane, or WORSE, end up in the prison system, alive. Much worse.
@DS it was his last day on earth. Of course he was overconfident. Hes probably played some flight simulator so he has an idea of how to pilot one of those
@Bob Carter Was he free from pain? Free from regret? Free from the law? No. He knew if he landed the plane he would've had years in jail, he either was going to live in jail or die by his own hand. That to me sounds like a restriction, not freedom.
@@PrinceJes Can we be free of you? Free of your pushing of religious beliefs in other comment sections? I would love that but you just won't leave and let ME be free.
He was clearly depressed at the point where nothing made him reconsider his choices. In my experience when you talk calmly to a depressed person and they start crying, it's a good sign and they will open up about what exactly is bothering them. In this case you can say he was far away from breaking down and that shows how broken he really was
He was able to do that barrel roll because my boy had no fear. Poor guy didn’t take anyone else’s life he wasn’t a selfish kid. I hope god takes care of him in the next life
@@alez1908 how about this Alez, religion aside, I don't think you should be a hypocrite. You claim you got it all figured out but you just go off a book you think is real. Danny here, thinks nothing is going to be after death, which he also cannot prove, but could be true. Your evidence isn't any better than anything Danny said, no matter what you think. A book is 100% not proof for anything, if you want to get specific, I could just say this random book I read claimed you become a strawberry after you die, it MUST be true.. Right? Case closed. Don't be an ass.
This man is a people pleaser. He’s hurting but wants to make others laugh. It’s a way to hide the pain. People like him hide it well. But years of switching masks and holding it in just becomes too much. Some go on an indefinite bender. Some eat a bullet
Yes - it comes from having to hide our pain, anger & emotions from our parents, if they can’t accept them - we learn to please our parents first, then everyone else... and we end up suicidally depressed..
It’s a shame he couldn’t have joined the service and flew for a living. He seems like he was a daredevil at heart and probably would have been a success.
When learning to fly, they teach you to "fly the plane". No matter what is going on, "fly the plane". If you lose your composure, you are no better off....fly the plane! Always, stay calm and fly the plane! Those words carry over into so many aspects of our lives. Scuba diving, stay calm and collected. In a fight/argument...stay calm and composed. In a dangerous driving situation...drive the car! I learned to fly 16 years ago. The words, "fly the plane" have been some of the most growth inducing words of my life.
That makes a lot of sense. I heard the voice recording of the Amsterdam tragedy where a plane crashed into an Appartement building in the early nineties I believe. The pilots sounded so calm even seconds before impact one of them said ‚going down‘ a couple of times in a manner I’ll never forget. No sign of panic at all just doing his job until the end
Ugh, still breaks my heart hearing this again today. So many of us are battling the same demons inside. Wish I could've talked to him my. RIP Rich. Now you can fly nonstop.
I've lost some friends and even my uncle to suicide. One of them tried but missed his brain and took out both his eyes instead. He was always a fun guy to be around, just goes to show you never know when someone close to you is in pain.
The fact they tried to teach him how to land is incredible. When humans are there for each other it's a feeling like no other. May this man's soul rest in peace and may the atc staff recover from this experience. Fly high good sir 🫡
They were trying to ground the plane to prevent casualties - as soon as he landed he would have been ripped out of that plane. They're not just "being nice" they're trying to deescalate.
@@BeefbrothHD3L actually they’re probably most concerned about him effecting other flights and potential ground casualties first and foremost. He posed a real threat, even if unintentionally
@@KeepItC1assic I understand that. But as a single mom for nearly 21 years, is hits hard with me too. I find myself coming back to sky king at least once a year. Idk why. Something comforting about the whole thing, even though it’s tragic.
This guy went out like a man. He went out on his terms without injuring others unlike other guys that shoot up a place because their to afraid to die alone.
@@jerrywoods4066 He was going to kill his self rather plane, gun, fire, water or whatever...the family should be grateful he didn’t kill anyone because that would probably haunt all the family even more with the way the internet is set up🤷🏽♀️
I absolutely hate to hear this, he definitely gives off a great vibe just with his voice and demeanor. He was obviously finished with life, but I feel so bad because he probably could've used just a little help to turn things around.
Such a badass barrel roll. The pilots who regularly fly that plane we're probably jealous that he got to do that. Glad to see you lived out your dreams, and rest in peace man. Also thank you for exposing another flaw in airport security.
DS maybe jealous is the wrong word. But I'm sure a pilot or two who flies that model regularly has wondered if it could handle a barrel roll need be. lol.
I'm truly surprised that that plane held together when he made that maneuver. I didn't even think it was ABLE to make that move. When it went inverted, I figured it would drop out of the sky.
although that would make TOTAL sense, that the wings would fall off and that the plane would break up, why is every report saying Russell intentionally crashed it????
He went on his own terms. Not many can say that… enough to make a grown man tear up...he lived the most in those mins than most of us live our entire lives. Fly high brother.
Freaking best response so far, you are so correct. You did see the same flying, aerobatic moves that he was pulling off." I was , like." What!!!??? Are you freaking kidding me, this guy is flying like he's a fighter pilot. Then I thought to myself this must be a training exercise. And then you know rest.
Love how the ATC kept his cool kept talking to him, and didn’t judge him. I got a little giggle when skyking said, “ohhh they probably got anti aircraft” and the ATC gets a little laugh out of it.
Ofc they judged him. Guy's a maniac, a depressed one but still. Could have killed a lot of people with a flying plain. But they'd be stupid to do so on air.
@@Tconl did you see his smooth take off? Did you see his aerial maneuvers? This guy could fly... Even the Horizon Air CEO was blown away by his skill: "Beck said the aerial maneuvers were "incredible" and that he "did not know how [Russell] achieved the experience that he did."
The way he said I have a lot of people that love me but they are gonna be disappointed when they find out I did this. The heart that takes to admit....gives me chills to know he knows his existence is going to be over Shortly
"What a guy" capitalism screwed him over but he decoded to play the race card and make catastrophic decisions which cost people a lot of money and potentially many lives.
I teared up for this guy when he mentioned the jail time and referenced "for a guy like me". He seems so kind and he cracked me up a lot at how joyful he is
Joyful? This man is in distress. He is not in touch with reality and what's actually happening. He is not showing any concern for the fact that he is about to crash a plane.
This is what happens when good talented people get fed up with wage slavery when they can see they are just as smart/talented/hardworking as people earning 10x as much.
This is downright eerie. An ordinary baggage handler who somehow had flying skills. He knew what his plan was...one last hurrah before ending it all. I couldn't imagine being as calm as that air traffic controller.
Captain Richard Russell (yes, a pilot, and a captain to me) was suspected of practicing in a simulator for the Bombardier Q400. The reference he made to video games also indicated a realistic flight simulator. I think I will be looking for a Cessna Skymaster 337 home flight simulator. There is one less than a kilometer from home. It only flies about once every other month. This is not an admission of a possible four hour, sunset, flight with no intension to land.
2 of those things are kinda givens, the air force has a fast response time because its not them running planes into buildings this time. And two the controllers have to be calm it's basically a hostage negotiation to get this how ever million dollar plane back in one piece and not crashed into a building or airport, or destroying a runway etc, could essentially dip the nose down into anything before being shot down. And if a missile was fired and he was shot down it's still going to crash somewhere. So you can't shoot him down over civilian areas. They have to be calm to try and get the plane back. And the air force wasn't running training excersises of a hijacked plane going into a building that day. Their training events whether it's be planes, shootings, event 201 prepandemic excersise. Their training events always go live.
JB Lewis McCord is a few miles away. Also Whidbey island NAS and probably some more I can’t think of right now. Scramble time is amazing but proximity is immense
This is heartbreaking, he sounded like a good guy who didn't even want to swear while talking to the air traffic controller. I just wish he had landed safely and be grounded for a while. R.I.P. Richard "Beebo" Russell.
This dude is most of us inside. God speed, sir. You deserved better than getting to this point with your mental health. I hope all the best for all those on the line like Rich here. I hope you find the support you need.
There is no such thing as free counseling, I’ve looked. I even showed up at the crazy house and they told me to go to the emergency room. It’s all about money 💰
@@danbrand2455 I understand your point and you make a very good point however we are all responsible for our actions and Rich is not an exception. Remember he could have crashed that plane in a neighborhood or a thickly settled area and killed lots of people. But thank God he didn’t. He was not well in the head. On top of that, stealing a commercial airline would definitely land one in prison.
Speak for yourself. Don't speak for me and millions of others. I feel sorry for him but I don't feel sorry for what he did. I tell you what...he just sounds like a lazy sob to me.
The scariest thing in this world is a man with nothing to lose.
Amen
No I think when two dudes how have nothing in the world to lose meet each other and then talking to each other realize that both feel that way. What comes next is normally fuckd up.
I'd rather hang out with him than you.
werid see this as Chuck Palahniuk is on JOE ROGAN
@Elijah Wood I don't know anything about this story first time watching a video on it, but the point I'd like to make is there are some extremely realistic flight simulation video games out, that could have been what this guy enjoyed playing which is why he wanted to fly a plane to begin with. So he would have a basic understanding of what he's doing in the plane.
For a few short minutes, he was the most free man on Earth. He was humble, he was sorry, but most importantly he was alive.
kay jay yes he could. Soft water landing.
With thoughts of minimum wage. Lol.
THIS MAN LIVED
@@psyjic5466 What i thought he's saying is he lived for awhile more than most of us do in a lifetime.
@@psyjic5466 Yea cause its so easy to land on water when its only been done successfully like once
He didn't go up there to die; he went up there to see what it was like to be alive.
Caeleb Candon actually, you're right.
I remember that quote from Jurassic Park : Lost World. lol
DUDE! That’s a beautiful thought.
Lol that is hilarious but sadly true
Caeleb Candon the best accurate comment in here. you are so insightful,stick with that gift
The man FLIPPED, He didn't go on a shooting rampage, or crash his car into a truck. He took a hell of a joy ride. -- got to respect that! Rest In peace "GAMER".
@jackdundon2261 unfortunately, there's no resting in peace for him 😞😔
@@jackdundon2261 he actually got taught by one of the pilots, he just didn't want to get the guy in trouble
@@Freshbadvibes all the pilot taught him was startup process because he overtime asked curious questions and he just assumed it was a curious young man who wanted a future in flying since he worked at an airport already the pilot did nothing wrong didnt have him flying planes learning just answered questions
@@emmaa427 Of course there is, there's peace for everyone. There was nothing evil or wicked about what he did. He was making sure the entire time that there was nobody in any danger. He just had problems. He has his peace. And I don't think anybody should be saying otherwise.
@@emmaa427 Get help.
Apparently video games taught this guy how to fly. Not going to lie, thats impressive.
Some flight sims are crazy accurate
@@joshlee9280 yea because also real pilots use them for training
I really doubt he could have safely landed. I think that is something he likely knew all along, which is why he didn't attempt it. Just listening to him speak he obviously did not want to harm anyone else at all, and must have known at attempt to land the plane ran a risk of him crashing into any number of things on the ground where people were. Other aircraft, ground transport, fire and safety vehicles, terminals, hangers, etc.
@@PhilAndersonOutside No he didn't do it because he didn't wanna end up in the slammer for the rest of his life, he probably could've landed it with guidance from the controllers
Gta taught me how to drive
The most gut wrenching part of his flight, which I don’t think was in this clip, was when he says “I have a lot of people that care about me that are going to be really disappointed in me for this”.
Its kinda selfish really, but if he thinks that what is right. who am i to argue, i cant barral roll after all
That part and when he says "Im just a broken guy with a few screws loose" really hit deep
@@BeanMachine360 when you're that deep into wanting to kill yourself and under the influence. Everything is distorted. You care about everyone and you don't at the same time. It's not about being selfish. He really was lost.
@@Portxican my mom died by suicide and yes, its about losing hope and being lost. This guy went out with a story though
"ah man I think I'm just gonna try a barrel roll and then nose down and call it a night"
He’s talking into his mic like a multiplayer lobby😂
Let’s not make jokes right now
@@Lava_Zoid bro stfu dipshit
@@Lava_Zoid stfu moron
Lava Zoid go b a snowflake somewhere else
LAVA IS THE ONLY SANE PERSON HERE YOU KNOW THE GUY DIED RIGHT
Guy on the radio talking to him really helped him not be alone in his final moments. That had to have meant so much to him
You understand sir
For real. He even kept asking if Andrew (ATC) was there when he didn’t hear for a couple mins.
Absolutely.. he just wanted someone to be there for his last moments
... You are a fool..
I can only imagine how that will stick with the guy on the radio forever.
"I'm sorry about this, I hope this doesn't ruin your day" always hits me. What an absolute king.
Poor guy dude :'(
It's disingenuous haha. It's for sure gonna ruin their day...
@@TetriWino I wouldn't say "disengenuous", I feel like he meant it, but that was the first time he'd ever considered how other people would feel about it.
@@The__Leo I usually follow people's actions and not their words when determining their level of culpability in a situation. In the same vein if my daughter listened to this recording and told me "he seems like a nice guy." I'd say to her.."Well all we know is that he was suicidal and a thief to the tune of 80 million dollars. Do better. "
Always judge people by their actions and not their words. Always...
@@TetriWino his life was worth more than $80M
“I’ve played video games before- so... I know what I’m doing a lil bit”
He was one of us. Goodnight king.
Someone played war thunder with a joystick
This is it, chief, this is it.
Sounds like Jeff from American Dad
@@duckgoesquack4514 Haha or more likely MFS, DCS, OR IL2 :) Not bashing good ol war thunda though ;)
@john doughh Doesn't teach you how to handle G forces, but yeah, you could probably do a nice little casual fly.
Thought I'd return to this video a year later to pay respects to the Sky King.
Hope you're doing peachy, wherever you may be.
Hope he’s doin peachy clean.... Rest In Peace sky king
same here
Captain Obvious amen brother ❤️
Ameen.
shadowmohd yeah he crashed it ( purposely) on an small island where there was no people
"I wasn't really planning on landing it."
That was gut wrenching.
@@csw_bcba I think its more he knew what waited for him after he landed it, which is tons of jail time, why live the rest of your life in the slammer when you are currently flying free in the sky its like opting for a slow painful death over a quick one, the man quite literally went out on probably the highest note of his life and thats a fact cause theres no high notes in jail.
@@Notaforumguy007nah man you can tell that he’s severely depressed
@@symbior he was both, and went out with a bang
@@csw_bcbanah its chill
“Im not going there to die, I’m going to find out if I’m really alive.”
Cowboy bebop reference?
See you space cowboy
Your're gonna carry that weight...
Crashing a plane into an island makes you very dead
Yeah ask Kobe
“Ya know i think they’ll give you a job at anything if u could pull this off” best response the operator had during this whole thing
That won't be likely, if he was in that stage they can't trust him flying with passengers like have you seen what happened when a sick pilot crashed a plane with people because he was mentally ill?
@@raithtarrant2046 he didnt want the man to kill himself, it was a great thing to say even if it wasn’t true
It was meant to give the man hope that if he landed his future would be bright
@@raithtarrant2046 you really didn’t understand what ATC was doing? 🤦🏽♂️🤦🏽♂️
Naahh... He's white male... No way...
"hey give me the coordinates of that orca, with the babies"
Yeah, that kind of made me cry when he said that. Hes masking his pain pretty hard, he's to practiced at hiding it
John Smith hovkick rocks
@John Smith who sounds like an idiot?
@John Smith and you sound like an asshole.
@@OlGregge wait what happened I don’t see a John smith
This legitimately breaks my heart. You can tell he's hurt, yet he's also full of life. I wish he knew what his life was worth.
Rest In Paradise bro..
He’s not full of life. He’s in pain.
@@kathconserv 😔
@kathconserv life is painful. He definitely didn't live out his potential, and that was the point.
@@kathconserv To be full of life is to experience pain as well. They are not mutually exclusive.
@@RayRae559 yes
He didn't want to hurt anyone but himself. I just wish he would have landed safely so he could be aware of how many fans he has now.
You're the only one, asshole. Maybe a few more, but that's about it.
@@TJsGang Boi you cant even make statement without insulting someone your parents must be really proud of you.
Tommy Boy nobody likes a tommy 😂😂😂
@@TJsGang 😂 how pathetic are you. His intentions werent to hurt anyone but himself. He was humble and just wanted to go out with a bang. You may not like him but you responded 3 weeks ago. You definitely read all the other comments praising him and showing love. Please don't be close minded next time you respond to something.
@@TJsGang nah he's loved by people. Loved more than you. RIP to the sky god :(
Gotta appreciate his humor. And that he loopy looped an airliner
Lol he made the pilot chuckle
He did play flight simulators there’s a lot of pilots that play these games for fun. So he definitely knew how to communicate with them kinda sad it was also his finale moment with us.😥
Don’t make a fucking joke out of this.
Drake Fulmer anything can be made a joke of. Don’t take yourself too seriously.
@Turdberg Rivera well i cant argue against that.. i mean look at people memeing 9/11
Richard- it’s been just over 2 years and I still can’t believe that was you. Not sure what was going on in life but you were sure loved by all of us at QX. I still have a selfie on my phone if you from when I left my phone in the break room. Hope you are resting in peace. Love you bro!
You can tell he was such a good man. I wish y’all could’ve seen his mental stability collapsing sooner. But I know y’all were good to him, you can tell he had no hatred towards anyone and he was full of love. Just a lost soul who couldn’t find his purpose to live. Rip to him, and I hope you’re all doing well at QX. I can tell he brought y’all a lot of smiles
Post it please
@@Themortician123 I tried. It won’t let me add a photo. Sorry.
@@anthonypantley6453 no need to be sorry, let that man be in peace
I'm sorry for your loss... he seemed very kind...
One thing I appreciate about this poor man is that he only took his life, he didn’t involve others to die with him.
Edit: Im trying to make a comment about this man’s last few minutes not a comment war zone.
luckily... could easily have crashed on those houses you see him flying low over.
Would you say that about a dangerous driver who ended up only killing himself? No you would say good thing just himself could have easily killed other. No different here he could have crashed it into people on the ground if he lost control
It was a failure of our politicians..
He was in full control.
Well you don't really know what his plan was. He did say people lives are in danger. At 8:13 you can see that he was shot down by that fighter jet that was behind him. Notice the fire ball that hit the highjacked plane as 8:13. They lied when they claimed he crashed on his own.
The media made him look evil. It’s crazy how broken this guy was. And just wanted to be free and care free for a little. I can feel that
Friends, wife, child...he had a lot more than most. I wish he could have weathered the storm that pushed him over.
i wish life didn’t lead people to want this. Why can’t we just be born to do this.
Thats all the media does
No it didn't. I came from The Guardian video and it was as neutral as possible.
@@jrbr549 he didn't have a kid.
This is heartbreaking but sooo beautiful how the pilots all tried to help and not one of them was rude or judgemental
Because they didn't want him to kill other people b
@@dragonbrownies517 I definitely think that had a large part to play in it but there is a pain in their voices that makes me think that could have been any one of them and the least they would want is someone to treat them with respect
They all understands and wish they could do what he did. Fly free
Most men just want to end it, but they can't because it's too selfish, I can't lie I thought about ending it too many times and the only thing stopped me is my family, leaving them with the pain, I couldn't do that. But, I swear if I had no one in my life that I cared for I would've probably did it, which is a scary thought.
Right.
Man this is sad af. You can hear in his voice he's scared and just over it. Like over it.
ali N not scared free happy but lost... lost doesnt know what to do what they think what will happen
Agree man this is sad af
I dont think he scared I think he was just more worried about wat was going 2 happen if he land he chilln😎😎
john ryder nah he was definitely scared but brushed it off
ali N he wanted this dumbass
Poor guy, he sounds like such a nice person “I hope this doesn’t ruin your day or anything.” He was clearly highly intelligent too I wish he would’ve got the help he needed
From the world? The world can't even help themselves.
Why? So he can make more profits for the rich? Once your friendship pool runs dry, if you don't have any hobbies or goals, there is really no reason to stay
Theres no help...
Dang this thread is depressing, there’s always something even if you can’t quite see it yet, hang in there
@laurendelune7618 i agree totally. There's always something to stick around for. My life has plenty of down times, plenty. But I have plenty to be grateful for as well.
He knew he was going to commit suicide but still didn't want to hurt others. You've got to respect that. As far as the 80 million dollar plane? Oh well. Maybe they'll start paying their employees better!
That plane was $10m tops
I worked there last summer, and have friends that work there. Nothing has changed
@Robert Jordan Unquallified people are getting payed better just for their skin colour. Affirmative action my ass. Im not even American and pisses me off...
Not a chance😄
@@RegretForNothing you do know the group that benefits the most from affirmative action is white women right? hopefully your racist self stays out of America
Such a shame, he sounds like he'd been a cool and funny guy to know.
RIP sky king
Robin Williams too.
You here from tiktok?
@@blessingekwuazi6731 yee
Really stupid comment.
In this era of anger and outrage, where people lash out at society by shooting up schools and concerts, one man just wanted to do a barrel roll. Fly for eternity......
More people should do barrel rolls.
BAN PLANES! PLANES KILL PEOPLE!
@@willowandluka5302 Underrated comment
@@willowandluka5302 planes, the most highly regulated form of transportation in the world. Fantastic 2nd amendment defense!
@@willowandluka5302 no, stupid morons with planes kill people . Which this guy was
It’s been 5 years now and his memory never faded. Fly high, Sky King. We’ll never forget you.
Why do you guys idolize this idiot?
He stole a plane and put lives in danger... selfish behavior.
If he wanted to die why dragging and endangering other people? He could've crashed at the airport, or with another plane, or fallen into someone's property.
Ultimately suicide is the most cowardly and selfish thing you can do to your loved ones...
@@nomejodas2978 your life your choice
@@rileyrichmond7321 Yes, your life, your choice, if you want to kill yourself do it in a way you don't put others' lives in danger, also, planes don't grow on trees... he basically took someone millions of dollars, and burn them with him, but first he made sure to endanger the airport and the people who were below his stupid flying trajectory. Why are people so narcissistic nowadays, and stupid to not be able to see it. (You for example). I don't feel pity for him, he died being a jerk.
@@nomejodas2978this guy could have easily injured/killed a hundred people at least, if he really wanted to.
This bro decided to crash in a location where he'd be the only one harmed.
He didn't even want to make the air controllers days worse. He felt sorry for inconveniencing them. He just wanted to have fun in his last moments.
There is a lot worse a person could do when ending it, especially involving stealing a plane
The ATC was low key enjoying the conversation lol. He almost laughed when Richard said "they probably have anti aircraft"
What time did he say that?
@@Noncollectable 3:37
No can’t enjoy it lives are on the line. You could lose your job easily saying something wrong
@ryan miller exactly they could either humor him or they could push his buttons into doing something reckless. The obvious answer is to humor him.
@ryan miller The ATC probably still wonders to this day if he could have said anything different that might have saved the guys life and got him to pressurize the cabin and try to land. Nothing he could have done, but I doubt that the ATC was enjoying himself, because he understood the danger of the situation and the likelihood of a catastrophe.
It is really strange and sad at the same time how this guy just sounds like he is full of life just minutes before committing suicide. I hope his soul rest in peace.
He was really alive for once.
@@cristianm7097 Probally more alive than most of us will ever be. Take care!
Hysteria is a symptom of suicide, some people are elated when they are going to end it all, unfortunately..
@@I_Regert_Nothing Or just too exhausted to feel anything.
it seems to be a fairly common thing supposedly that the day of the suicide people tend to act almost elated and full of life because theyve come to terms with that. dont quote me 100% but pretty sure i read or heard that somewhere.
This dude lived more flying that plane for an hour than I have over the last 35 years!
Bad genetics.
But what about his parents? They cant contimue their life normally
@@teoa.9338 who decides what's normal anyway... today is the families new normal..just another Wednesday
@@justinthyme7275 the best there is!
jan osovsky you do realise not everyone can do that that?
Stole an empty plane, flew around to during twilight hour to see a beautiful view of the sunset, decided to pulled off a legendary barrel roll for fun, then called it a day.
I’m not condoning what he did but I do understand. But also, but if there was ever a way to go out…..
You understand it perfectly sir
Agreed man, whenever I feel disturbing this weirdly lifts me up. I can't explain it but it's like he talking to me.
Honestly makes me want to work at an airport
This sounds like a XBOX party back when GTA just came out
Mxments true asf
Rite
Yo, bro watch yo jet. *Bro watch yo jet!*
Stg
LOL I think that's why GTA was made actually! LOL
Minimum wage at 29 years old. The financial struggle...depression. I’m sorry but I feel compassion for him!
Make better financial decisions then.
@@defaultcolor Very sympathetic you are.
@@defaultcolor : you must have a dark, barely functioning brain and heart to make such a disgusting comment!!!
@@defaultcolor how do you make financial decisions on minimum wage?
@@defaultcolor heartless
You can tell he’s as chill as an ice cube. I hope these final moments were of absolute happiness
The guy's obviously off the deep end.
@Mastnaer Ceef It means as much as YOURS does.
He was mentally on fire. This is not heroic but a scream for help where no sound comes out.
@@mattwarrensocal I can agree with that. An unfortunate way to do it.
This was probably the first time, in a long time that he find some kind of happiness or joy in his life…sadly it cost him his life….
Incredible impressed with the ATC and Pilot talking to Richard. They speak calmly and matter-of-factly to not to make the sensitive situation worse.
So it turns out a compete novice can fly a passenger plane and do a barrel roll. Pilots just got found out
phil hems / Anyone can throw a plane through loops and rolls if they have no fear, real skill is flying smoothly, flipping the right switches to keep the computer happy, and flying without reference to the ground. I have both flown smooth flights in real (small) planes and did this sort of stuff in flight simulators. It’s eerie how similar those flight sim sessions were to this guys footage
Anybody with extensive experience in aviation based video games can pull off something like this! That doesn't mean it's easy, in some ways video games are harder than the real thing though
@@-caesarian-6078 no not everyone can do aerobatics! It takes a lot of skill to do something like this and still not stress the plane enough that it breaks apart! Think I learned from video games which is very much like the real thing
will schultz / I did not mean to say that aerobatics are easy, I meant that rich never planned on coming out of them alive. When inside a loop, you have no clue about when to pull up to clear the ground. This comes from bob Hoover himself. The only way that loops like what rich pulled off are possible is by guessing and being right. As for his video game experience, I have a basic flight simulator and use it to help my training, but it is definitely easier than flying for real. The biggest place where simulators are lacking is the lack of g-forces (the main enemy for pilots in aerobatics) even with riches “video game experience” he would not have much mental capacity to use it while being subjected to the g-forces found in these real maneuvers. It takes pilots months of flying to overcome motion sickness in normal flying, and years more time in aerobatics. This is not including the lack of oxygen he was suffering (he did not know how to pressurize the cabin) and the stress of flying a plane for the first time in an urban area with other traffic. I was genuinely surprised that he survived that loop, and I think he was too, based on him giving his “I was thinking just nose down and this is it” comment immediately after.
@@-caesarian-6078 yes I definitely have to agree with you there, he definitely would not have been used to the g forces. I think as far as the loop is concerned he probably guessed on how much altitude he would need to pull it off, judging by the video he didn't have much altitude left when he came out of it so he judged that pretty close LOL. I'm not sure what altitude he was at but if he was ten thousand feet or below he wouldn't need the pressurization. He did mention in his one comment that he threw up a little bit so I imagine that was from doing the loop or when he was flying upside down LOL
This is so sad. Even in his last moments he has so much humor and sounds so normal. Check on your people.
Robin Williams was the same way. We hide our pain with humor. We live with it and desperately look for windows of genuine laughter lol
Chris Farley as well. And I can attest firsthand that the ones that are joking around are usually the ones that are hurting the most. In my last and what I've decided final attempted suicide (that I promise i will not attempt again because, obviously, I can't do it correctly) in my suicide notes I was making jokes.
Because if you're not laughing you're crying, and I was so sick of crying. I didn't want anyone else to be crying. Plus any opportunity you can get where you make people laugh, that's just feels good! even if it's like a future opportunity, where you know when they're reading it they're going to laugh. It feels nice. it feels good. sometimes it's the only feel good of the day those of us with depression get.
@@MusicLeeSarah glad you're still here
@@mskeelyhill hey thanks! Legit that means a lot to me thank you!!! I'm happy you're here!
@@yakkaym564 it was more than just depression, he physically was dying and was hiding it from the fans because he didn’t want us to see him that way, his brain was getting effected and he couldn’t be funny anymore like he was, he couldn’t do it.
Dude has the majority of the world missing him already. What a personality, one who seems so positive hiding so many demons. Goes to show you never know how people are truly feeling on the inside. So be nice people.
He seemed like a really considerate guy, always mentioning about others before himself. Unfortunately he wasn’t happy with the way he was living. He must have learned lots about airplanes from being around them all day long, in order to do the stunts he pulled off or even just getting the plane off the ground would have taken some know how prior to this event. And I think it was a bit more then just practice on video games. Although many people learn to fly with flight simulator, so maybe he played that. Let me know you thoughts.
Aiden Torres...I assume he played flight sims... maybe that's what he meant by"video games". Personally, I've played flight sims for the past 8 years, and I would be pretty confident taking a plane up, a plane that I am familiar with, and with an experienced pilot by my side, just to keep me right...This dude was a Horizon employee, Maybe had access to his favourite plane and cockpit day in day out? Maybe he would rehearse the start up procedure when all alone in the cockpit? So sad he had a mental illness and suffered in silence. Such a likeable chap. R.I.P
Tear in my eye for this man. No idea who he was but I would go to his funeral without a doubt back up in seattle. Sorry ya didn't make it Rich. Rest easy.
May you find peace and joy on the other side Rich........you sounded like any momas beloved son......I am deeply sorry you felt the crash was your only choice.
I don't miss him and I don't care about him.
Oh my, I'm in tears listening to Rich, and he sounds like a beautiful soul. So sad he felt this was his only option. You can tell he was a good guy, cause he didn't wanna hurt anyone else.😢
@@AnitaG1002 life takes the best ones first 😢
ATC: “What’s your speed?”
Richard: “minimum wage”. Dude cracks me up
When did he say that?
@@butterworm964 6:20 around that point
@@Efc1 Thank you.
It's funny he did this because of minimum wage, if he was in a country like mine....God almighty we would have all been dead because of what we earn, Americans need to be greatful, I will wash poo if I was in America just to earn a living and be happy
@@jonathanteku4903 * *sigh* * it's not so simple, my man
It is so insane because the kid was troubled and actually seems like a nice guy who made it clear that he doesn’t want to hurt anyone. You never know what goes on in the mind of someone else, especially how calm he is I guess he knew he didn’t wanna live anymore. Obviously, because he said he wasn’t planning on landing it
Yeah right. More likely some a**hole running some black budget project smuggling highly illegal crap effed up and crashed a plane so they had to scramble and write the laziest excuse of a narrative possible to be squawked by the mainstream media parrots.
Wouldn't be the first time.
This guy seems a very likeable, nice guy. I can be a lifelong friend with him. I'm a private pilot (small plane) , so I can take him up for a flying any day he wishes. We will split costs and have a hamburger at another airport we fly to. If he was my friend for real, I'd wish I was there to help. He didn't have to die. I wish he seek help before he did what he did. If he wanted to be a pilot, there was a way, not that. It aches my heart. Such a tragedy.
Beebo is a hero to all young men. God bless sky king.
@Hateable Nerd hey dork. When ppl have mental issues, they…… have mental issues.
@@garagelife9193 That’s so awesome if you. You seem like someone who could of been a cool friend to him. Mental illness is a sad thing. I really really feel for his wife and family.
It's been two years since your death, but we have not forgotten. Rest in peace Sky King, your death will not be in vain!
Always remember our Sky King
I agree
This man is a legend may he's soul r.i.p
I already forgot about him
Sky King 💛💛🙌🏻🙌🏻
What an absolute mad lad, he had 0 training but talked to pilots and even to this day the PD is confused how he knew how to fly, Rest In Peace King, you maybe gone but you're not forgotten
I do believe, not 100% but fairly certain, that he had studied and wanted to be a pilot for a while, but wasn't able.
Theres a video game called flight sim
Its perfect for simulating flying
A good handyman can fly...
Not too hard to fly, just hard to land
He said he “played video games”. Guessing he played Microsoft Flight Sim. Also probably had some general knowledge being ground crew.
Sometimes the people the most depressed are the best at pretending they aren't. Be kind to each other. RIP
Gospel!!🙌🤜🤛🙌
This is so true
GOD. AINT THAT THE TRUTH. THEY HIDE IT REAL GOOD. Till you go see them at home.
i had a coworker, an female, most shining, carefree and funny person..and she was the one who committed suicide
Robbie Williams is a great example. May they RIP
I really feel for this guy. He comes across as being a good guy that obviously has had some issues and given up on life.
the media painted him as a devil. but the most herioc thing you can do is treat devils like they're human. its easy to be kind to people that you like but what makes a good person is willing to be kind when its difficult. i have a feeling sky king had a difficult life trying to be kind
@@ufhjfu4326 I really know how he feels if that is the case. Great reply thankyou.
Sounds too much like myself 😕
@@ufhjfu4326 Sounds even more like myself. I worry I’m gonna end up like this guy…
@@Mr.Obongo mate your not on your own there. Im struggling too.
Sounds like he just really was looking for someone who cares for him. I mean idk. And idk his situation. But by the way he talks. Just seems like a really nice guy who just needed a friend
@NightWolf i hear ya
How true that is and its sad.
@NightWolf he wasn't a "nice guy". He was married and was a jock in highschool. Had friends too. Guy was just unhappy and did this instead of taking a pill. Dont make him out to be an inspirational figure or martyr. Seemingly happy people get fucked by life too
@@TheEpere15 yep
He just wanted to be free. And not even the best of friends can offer that true sense of freedom.
No matter how bad it got for Rich in his last few months. He went out happy, you can hear it in his voice. Was probably never more alive in his whole life and its ironic that it was just before he decided to end it. This is beautiful in the most strangest of ways. Hope you got your Licence in the place beyond the sun, Rich. Because heck did you deserve it.
He absolutely did deserve that license cause man he proved himself in the worst way he was worthy
He wasn’t happy, he was literally throwing up from the reality setting in. Even though he was talkative, he was clearly distressed.
@@-UNKNOWN-13 No, he's literally flying a plane for the first time with no training. Humans aren't supposed to fly, his body was shitting it. He was absolutely at peace with death here - realising that it's about to actually happen, though, is cause for sickness.
@@-UNKNOWN-13 wrong he even said in the video if you had been paying attention he wanted helping finding the controls to pressurize the cabin. Low pressure
@@jamieeddolls5605 wrong he even said in the video if you had been paying attention he wanted helping finding the controls to pressurize the cabin. Low pressure
Nearly 4 years, I still feel that struggle. Rest easy Sky King.
Did he pass away
@@russbeatz7940 he crashed his plane into an island killing himself.
@@russbeatz7940 He flew the plane nose first into the ground.
@@jacobhosier4568 i think thats a maybe
@@ink9426 that means he died
Man it’s truly heart breaking to hear this guy being worried about ruining everyone’s day. Wish he could have found the answer before this happened.
Life just isn't fun for people anymore, especially young people. Since the 90's corporations have taken over completely and the world dances to their tune. Sad.
@@benjaminsavage4204 if there was no demand, there would be no supply. We are ALL guilty for allowing big corporations to take over.
@@edwardp8927 They used the republican party to stifle labor laws like minimum wage and allow US corporations to operate overseas with impunity, not that the DNC isn't complicit in corporate capture of regulation as well, just look at Machin. When both parents have to work full time and still barley make it, there is little opportunity to be politically informed and participatory. Too bad we are so cowardly and cant get more then two parties going.
@@edwardp8927 I hadn't been inside a walmart for almost 15 year until recently. When I went inside I saw the prices and realized why people make these choices. Anyone on a budget could hardly afford not to shop in ways that are destroying our nation.
Clowns are complaining about corporations yet you probably all own a big screen TV, shop on Amazon, and have the latest cell phone.
I feel like he was one of those guys who made everyone else laugh but was miserable on the inside. I really feel sad for him. I hope there was no fear or regrets in his last moment, but I also wish he was still alive.
That was me. Everybody loved me at work and I hated it.
He is already regretting being with his boss the devil who is torturing him like he is a rag.
Hell no, it is sad cuz you’re absolutely right he made everyone else laugh, it sucks he’s gone, but he went out on his own terms, he was free, absolute legend
@@Jake420 Lol…keep believing or else you will end up in hell. Jeses christ is the only Way to heaven.
@@TheHouseOfBanks stop making this about you
As a former Horizan Air ramp agent 2015-2019, I can say majority of ramp agents are like this lol hella personable, down to earth and a little wild. I appreciate him advocating for higher wage - they paid us in scraps. RIP to this man.
They asked how fast he was going and man said "minimum wage". Poor guy had a sense of humor right up until the end.
I missed that. 😭😭 He sounds like a fun guy lol.
i think he said chalk this up to minimum wage. but again its still a joke either way. he was basically saying i did this because i didnt get paid enough. in hopes that theyd take his joke seriously and pay the employees more. but still i think he knew that itself was also a joke and would never happen.
Based and truthpilled.
The audio keeps getting interrupted. There are better versions without the cross talk and you get to hear the full convo.
@@zoyalis1487 sounded
What a absolute legend of a broken man.
He sounds like a nice guy really saddening that he didn't see any reason to continue living
Because he knew that even if he did choose to try and land it, he might botch the landing and survive... and be arrested, most likely, and have you ever been to county? Or any prison? I mean, he could crash the plane, or WORSE, end up in the prison system, alive. Much worse.
hes probably on xans.
@@Cicada3773 Being alive is almost always a better option.
@@stevem2323 yeah to you, a normal functioning human being. Which is not the case with this individual.
@@MatheusOliveira-dx8lb You never know, maybe he could get some help, pull trough, once you're dead that's it.
The media did him dirty. They only put edited parts that make him look evil. Sad rest up king 👑
Take news the media is the enemy TRUMP 2020
Cc117 cc117 no
@@Bresianos kurt cobain is a king bro
No they did not... There was nothing to go by. Lol he took a plane. That's that. The whole communication was done properly. He was never landing.
@@Cccc-ky4vq Now hold on. Just because Trump might be right about that doesn't make him innocent about anything else he has done.
This guy probably had the best hour of his life, God bless him, what a way to go, I hope he's up there now with all the rest of those aviation heroes.
“I don’t need that much help, I’ve played some video games before” awesome!
Played as Trevor in GTA 5 too much
Elijah Wood Lol you are everywhere.
@DS it was his last day on earth. Of course he was overconfident.
Hes probably played some flight simulator so he has an idea of how to pilot one of those
@DS - He clearly planed to crash at some point. He repeatedly said he didn't intend to land.
@DS shaking my head are you a special kind of stupid
"You know how fast you're going?" ".....yeah minimum wage, for about 6 years. Well chalk it up to that" what a legend.
I don't understand
@@ranggasaktibudiputra1547 he was highly depressed and the main reason was how poor he was and not receiving any rises in 6 years
*UNDERRATED COMMENT INTENSIFIES*
@@-redacted-2214 ,,
@@rustybucket5465 you knew him?🤣
RIP Rich
Seemed like a great guy.
And at one point, the freest guy that had ever lived.
He hijacked a plane. A suicidal man is not free, he was mentally disturbed and you're over here idolizing him. Idiot.
@Bob Carter
Was he free from pain? Free from regret? Free from the law? No. He knew if he landed the plane he would've had years in jail, he either was going to live in jail or die by his own hand. That to me sounds like a restriction, not freedom.
@Bob Carter
Keep thinking that you cornball, he's dead, so much for freedom.
@@PrinceJes Can we be free of you? Free of your pushing of religious beliefs in other comment sections? I would love that but you just won't leave and let ME be free.
@@flamesquadron
It's sort of part of my identity to semi-evangelize, so probably not. Did you see my comments in this video or other another video?
Nothing else makes me cry like this video does. Rest in Peace Sky King
He was clearly depressed at the point where nothing made him reconsider his choices. In my experience when you talk calmly to a depressed person and they start crying, it's a good sign and they will open up about what exactly is bothering them. In this case you can say he was far away from breaking down and that shows how broken he really was
100% very well said 👏
I don't think it was depression though.
I think he had a solid reason.
He never claimed to be depressed. Unstable ....yes.
Very astute observation. Thank you for that.
@@andrulifts lol
He was able to do that barrel roll because my boy had no fear. Poor guy didn’t take anyone else’s life he wasn’t a selfish kid. I hope god takes care of him in the next life
There ain't no god, ans if there is he would be in purgatory because he took his own life.. He's dead. It's sad. Cold. And final. RIP Rich uou legend.
@@alez1908 the same could be said about you
@@alez1908 There ain't no God. I was playing devil's advocate, and pointing out the contradiction in his comment.
Alez hello silly goose
@@alez1908 how about this Alez, religion aside, I don't think you should be a hypocrite. You claim you got it all figured out but you just go off a book you think is real. Danny here, thinks nothing is going to be after death, which he also cannot prove, but could be true. Your evidence isn't any better than anything Danny said, no matter what you think. A book is 100% not proof for anything, if you want to get specific, I could just say this random book I read claimed you become a strawberry after you die, it MUST be true.. Right?
Case closed. Don't be an ass.
This man is a people pleaser. He’s hurting but wants to make others laugh.
It’s a way to hide the pain. People like him hide it well. But years of switching masks and holding it in just becomes too much. Some go on an indefinite bender. Some eat a bullet
Yea.... its tough...
@@jonny-b4954 yes they do! He went out with a bang. No pun intended
Yes - it comes from having to hide our pain, anger & emotions from our parents, if they can’t accept them - we learn to please our parents first, then everyone else... and we end up suicidally depressed..
@Who GAF American Woman? 🤣
Yes that's me an ppl don't hear or see me...I a tired an think I have to do something drastic
It’s a shame he couldn’t have joined the service and flew for a living. He seems like he was a daredevil at heart and probably would have been a success.
minus the mental trouble, yes.
@@neonada.official you sound like the government
If this were the world of Ace Combat 7, I reckon he would’ve had a job ... in the penal squadron
Yeah, we all know the military wants renegade daredevils flying their multi-million dollar machines.
Not more paid murderers
"you know how fast you are going?" ... "Minimum wage".
Brutals
"maybe that will turn some gears"... FINISHER
When i was living in Seattle I was making 100k and I couldnt afford a house.
It always amazed me how ATC can stay so calm and reassuring. People who work in the airline industry have balls of steel in that is no joke.
Well they don't want to anger someone flying a plane and have another 911
@@Nikotinbetyarwell he was very careful about where he finished the trip so that's great
When learning to fly, they teach you to "fly the plane". No matter what is going on, "fly the plane". If you lose your composure, you are no better off....fly the plane! Always, stay calm and fly the plane! Those words carry over into so many aspects of our lives. Scuba diving, stay calm and collected. In a fight/argument...stay calm and composed. In a dangerous driving situation...drive the car! I learned to fly 16 years ago. The words, "fly the plane" have been some of the most growth inducing words of my life.
@@flyingjoed mhm reminds me of the saying : stay calm if you panic you have already lost..... Your life
That makes a lot of sense. I heard the voice recording of the Amsterdam tragedy where a plane crashed into an Appartement building in the early nineties I believe. The pilots sounded so calm even seconds before impact one of them said ‚going down‘ a couple of times in a manner I’ll never forget. No sign of panic at all just doing his job until the end
Wow this dude is strangely relatable… I am glad he felt like he was alive in his final moments… man does that strike a chord
I just wanted him to land this, throw the keys to traffic control, high five them and go for a beer.
Literally same man. As illegal and naive this stunt was it also has and underlying and unintentional message to just , do.
He would be arrested on the spot
Sadly he’d be arrested and lived a long time in jail :(
If he would of become a great pilot.
he do it bro,I believe, now he have better life
Ugh, still breaks my heart hearing this again today. So many of us are battling the same demons inside. Wish I could've talked to him my. RIP Rich. Now you can fly nonstop.
I doubt he's a religious man
@@Ghostyfrost9688 What does it matter if he is or not? Your point?
@@kellivought4180 if he’s not religious he’s not flying anywhere. His flight has ended
He can, this is true. Lol Not ideal but true!
He would’ve gone straight to jail if he landed successfully. Probably federal prison. But the kid was certifiably crazy
This guy was to good to be in this corrupt world. He isn’t dead he just went home.
In our eyes he is still in the sky doing stunts and living a dream
theunknown117 “he isn’t dead he just went home” that’s a good way to put it
Pilots never die, they just buzz off!
Was a sign that hung in our home for many many years. My dad was a pilot and has since passed.
I love this comment. Thanks for this
YO.. thank you for that. :'
I've lost some friends and even my uncle to suicide. One of them tried but missed his brain and took out both his eyes instead. He was always a fun guy to be around, just goes to show you never know when someone close to you is in pain.
You could tell that he was just done with life and had one thing left on his bucket list. I kinda love this guy
dumb thing is he could have just saved his money and got his pilots license.
@@twocansams6335 ???
@@twocansams6335 The point is he was suiciding he was done with life sadly
@@twocansams6335 lmao small mind doesn’t understand the situation. Sad
@@TheQC92 Did that comment give you confidence?
The fact they tried to teach him how to land is incredible. When humans are there for each other it's a feeling like no other. May this man's soul rest in peace and may the atc staff recover from this experience. Fly high good sir 🫡
They weren't there for him. They just wanted him ti land so they could arrest him
Probably more specifically, the aircraft that probably cost a pretty penny. It's a sad reality 😔
He definitely was a role model for all future pilots. RIP King
They were trying to ground the plane to prevent casualties - as soon as he landed he would have been ripped out of that plane. They're not just "being nice" they're trying to deescalate.
@@BeefbrothHD3L actually they’re probably most concerned about him effecting other flights and potential ground casualties first and foremost. He posed a real threat, even if unintentionally
I’m surprised this plane could even take off carrying the weight of this guys massive balls. Rest Easy, Sky King
😂😂😂
🤣
o7
@Franco Sinatra says the laser on a static ip address🙃 19,211,224,04💀🤣🤣🤣
@Franco Sinatra okay Franco 😂😂😂
I think this video resonates with every man because we all know what’s it’s like to be on the verge of becoming this guy. Rip Sky King
@@KeepItC1assic I understand that. But as a single mom for nearly 21 years, is hits hard with me too. I find myself coming back to sky king at least once a year. Idk why. Something comforting about the whole thing, even though it’s tragic.
This guy went out like a man. He went out on his terms without injuring others unlike other guys that shoot up a place because their to afraid to die alone.
That’s what I respect about him
Respect really I doubt his wife and kid thought that
He went out like a coward!
@@jerrywoods4066 He was going to kill his self rather plane, gun, fire, water or whatever...the family should be grateful he didn’t kill anyone because that would probably haunt all the family even more with the way the internet is set up🤷🏽♀️
@@lee_mc3932 just make sure you don’t go out like 1🎯
I absolutely hate to hear this, he definitely gives off a great vibe just with his voice and demeanor. He was obviously finished with life, but I feel so bad because he probably could've used just a little help to turn things around.
True
That’s for sure… Just a good guy that has lost he’s way . It’s to bad that couldn’t have talked him down the safe way .
Almost everyone that kills themselves just needed a little help
Yeah sounding nice and being a good person is different
"BRITISH"
That's the seattle area for you. They fail in mental healthcare. Too many quacks.
Such a badass barrel roll. The pilots who regularly fly that plane we're probably jealous that he got to do that. Glad to see you lived out your dreams, and rest in peace man. Also thank you for exposing another flaw in airport security.
DS maybe jealous is the wrong word. But I'm sure a pilot or two who flies that model regularly has wondered if it could handle a barrel roll need be. lol.
@DS he was suicidal I dont think he was worried about weakening the wings
I'm truly surprised that that plane held together when he made that maneuver. I didn't even think it was ABLE to make that move. When it went inverted, I figured it would drop out of the sky.
although that would make TOTAL sense, that the wings would fall off and that the plane would break up, why is every report saying Russell intentionally crashed it????
NoNonsenseKnowHow highly doubt this was his dream
He went on his own terms. Not many can say that… enough to make a grown man tear up...he lived the most in those mins than most of us live our entire lives.
Fly high brother.
"I don't want to hurt anyone, I just want you to whisper sweet nothings into my ear" 🤣🤣🤣
Made me spit my tea out laughing when he said that so deadpan.
he should have flown into area 51.
read this right as it was happening in the vid lol
@@aidanbolding3601 same haha
I’m glad someone else heard that 🤣
If this guy had some training, he would have been an amazing pilot. Doing all those things without never flying a real plane is crazy
He had to had some training. One doesn't simply get into a cockpit and just takeoff.
Freaking best response so far, you are so correct. You did see the same flying, aerobatic moves that he was pulling off." I was , like." What!!!??? Are you freaking kidding me, this guy is flying like he's a fighter pilot. Then I thought to myself this must be a training exercise. And then you know rest.
@goldluck Dave Kazkade I think DCS players know just enough to be dangerous to themselves and the public at large.
@@johnmarksmith1120 lolol probably true
mental unstable is a bad fit for it really . responsible for peoples lives
Love how the ATC kept his cool kept talking to him, and didn’t judge him. I got a little giggle when skyking said, “ohhh they probably got anti aircraft” and the ATC gets a little laugh out of it.
Timestamp?
@@akali2927 3:35
Ofc they judged him. Guy's a maniac, a depressed one but still. Could have killed a lot of people with a flying plain. But they'd be stupid to do so on air.
@@Tconl did you see his smooth take off? Did you see his aerial maneuvers? This guy could fly... Even the Horizon Air CEO was blown away by his skill: "Beck said the aerial maneuvers were "incredible" and that he "did not know how [Russell] achieved the experience that he did."
"I am a white guy..." there's a message of despair behind these words. Maybe people in USA should reflectont it
Godspeed Richard. Earlier today I was flying solo and I thought of you.
Glad you landed safe bud.
Francesco you tried to put yourself in his shoes right?It’s crazy man.
@@abeh9177 at least he finished the landing tutorial properly;)
Lol
❤💜💙
The way he said I have a lot of people that love me but they are gonna be disappointed when they find out I did this. The heart that takes to admit....gives me chills to know he knows his existence is going to be over Shortly
You're a clown.
It’s the end. There’s nothing to lose there.
what if he didnt mean to die he was just doing stunts and messed up?
maybe he was talking about committing this planetheft and the forseen conequences...
@@Puppy_Puppington Well duh. Who doesn't know that?
"I'm sorry, I hope this isn't ruining your day"
What a guy haha
"What a guy" capitalism screwed him over but he decoded to play the race card and make catastrophic decisions which cost people a lot of money and potentially many lives.
@@firstname405 hes a hero
@@burntham8752 weird way to spell coward
@@firstname405 youre a dumbass if you think i tried to spell coward
@@burntham8752 🤡
RIP
Richard Russell
(1989-2018)
I teared up for this guy when he mentioned the jail time and referenced "for a guy like me". He seems so kind and he cracked me up a lot at how joyful he is
Joyful? This man is in distress. He is not in touch with reality and what's actually happening. He is not showing any concern for the fact that he is about to crash a plane.
@@personincognito3989 Poor judgement of character, my guy. Dude is hurting. And show concern for whom? The ground?
@@wille7319 he showed concernfor everyone but himself he had problems that should’ve been dealt with long time ago
@@wille7319 well, you misunderstood my comment
Others thinking he was “joyful” is exactly why he’s dead. The man needed help and everyone probably laughed him off because of his lightheartedness.
The fact that he was worried about ruining someone else's day really hit me ..really sad
He did. Everyone that he talked to, and everyone that had to deal with the aftermath's day was undeniably ruined.
@@alexanderredler862 Why
@@aquaticllamas28 cuz he acted like an asshole& risked everyone's life. Could've killed anyone in that crash & destroyed a plane.
@Rick Sanchez you do
@Rick Sanchez lol bro you care way too much obviously
"Chalk it up to minimum wage maybe that'll grease the gears for the higher ups." Literally trying to help his co-workers.
That’s a great idea
They could care less! They are more pissed about the plane I’m sure… smh
@@WillBrown3 💯
@@WillBrown3 insurance covers it
They won't skip a beat, this was just a blip on the radar and it's back to life as usual.
This is what happens when good talented people get fed up with wage slavery when they can see they are just as smart/talented/hardworking as people earning 10x as much.
If you're going to choose your way to go out, being mindful of others is commendable. It truly sounded like he was enjoying his last few minutes
Rich how fast are you going? SkyKing: minimum wage.
Best comment
You still alive fed smoker??
YMH CREW!!!
That's how fast I'm going in life too. 🥺
Bless these professionals for trying to do everything they could to get him down safely.
8:38 most replayed - there's hope - people remember.
Agree !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yeah right im a white gu-
Nope they shot him down .And justified too
@@TheRealRusDaddy they edited it out.
5 years today, still very emotional. RIP Sky King.
I come back to this every now and then
Everything is peachy clean, find the Orca, Rich.
RIP.
You're a loved person
I love this comment
This is downright eerie. An ordinary baggage handler who somehow had flying skills. He knew what his plan was...one last hurrah before ending it all. I couldn't imagine being as calm as that air traffic controller.
You’re right. He knew what his plan was
Captain Richard Russell (yes, a pilot, and a captain to me) was suspected of practicing in a simulator for the Bombardier Q400. The reference he made to video games also indicated a realistic flight simulator. I think I will be looking for a Cessna Skymaster 337 home flight simulator. There is one less than a kilometer from home. It only flies about once every other month. This is not an admission of a possible four hour, sunset, flight with no intension to land.
@@indridcold8433 no one cares
@@Chad-qk1ig That is the beauty of the situation. Nobody cares. I can do what I want, when I want, with or without the Cessna Skymaster 337.
@@indridcold8433 Cool dude, you have fun
Three things - I did tear up for this guy, the response time of the air force is amazing and the radio controllers are really decent people.
2 of those things are kinda givens, the air force has a fast response time because its not them running planes into buildings this time. And two the controllers have to be calm it's basically a hostage negotiation to get this how ever million dollar plane back in one piece and not crashed into a building or airport, or destroying a runway etc, could essentially dip the nose down into anything before being shot down. And if a missile was fired and he was shot down it's still going to crash somewhere. So you can't shoot him down over civilian areas.
They have to be calm to try and get the plane back. And the air force wasn't running training excersises of a hijacked plane going into a building that day. Their training events whether it's be planes, shootings, event 201 prepandemic excersise. Their training events always go live.
I agree
@@brianfitch5469 this dude certified maniac
JB Lewis McCord is a few miles away. Also Whidbey island NAS and probably some more I can’t think of right now. Scramble time is amazing but proximity is immense
@@brunotonyoli9408 IKR
This is heartbreaking, he sounded like a good guy who didn't even want to swear while talking to the air traffic controller. I just wish he had landed safely and be grounded for a while. R.I.P. Richard "Beebo" Russell.
This dude is most of us inside.
God speed, sir. You deserved better than getting to this point with your mental health.
I hope all the best for all those on the line like Rich here. I hope you find the support you need.
There is no such thing as free counseling, I’ve looked. I even showed up at the crazy house and they told me to go to the emergency room. It’s all about money 💰
Godspeed to him? He was certifiably crazy!!
Mmmmmmm no!
@@danbrand2455
I understand your point and you make a very good point however we are all responsible for our actions and Rich is not an exception. Remember he could have crashed that plane in a neighborhood or a thickly settled area and killed lots of people. But thank God he didn’t. He was not well in the head. On top of that, stealing a commercial airline would definitely land one in prison.
Speak for yourself. Don't speak for me and millions of others. I feel sorry for him but I don't feel sorry for what he did. I tell you what...he just sounds like a lazy sob to me.