yes, it's a pity he didn't hit on that earlier, maybe they could have got him to start hoping and try to save himself by landing the plane. According to this video, that sentence was the last thing he heard before he pushed the controls down to kill himself.
Yea that was smart. Didn’t work but it honestly was a genius thing to say. Sometimes these crazy people need to hear things like that. That was an amazing try.
Absolutely. It didn’t even seem like he talked with an airplanethief who only knew gamerelated stuff. “It’s ok, nothing wrong with what you did, you will not be into any trouble kiddo”
@@fluffy-fluffy5996 The reason behind that was that if you get all authoritarian on the high-risk offender, you may provoke a violent reaction that could have been prevented. ATC and the F-15 pilot were doing great at keeping it conversational and peaceful with a view to safely land the plane.
I had the pleasure of knowing him through high school. He was always very kind and made everyone laugh around him. Saddened me to this day to think he thought this was his only option. You're missed dearly Beebo. RIP my friend.
Damn man, sorry to hear that. Seemed like a good dude. I think they should have contacted a family member or a mental health/crisis counselor to speak to him. The two that spoke to him didn’t know how to speak to him and try and dissuade his negativity thoughts. I think he had a bad day, frustrated that he made minimum wage, saw the opportunity to take the plane and didn’t think he would get in the air a quickly and easily as he did. Once in the air, he felt he had no other option but to crash it. He was worried about the shame and thought he would be prisoned for many years. Little did he know that a few years later, his area is out of control and lawless and he may have just gotten some probation. Rip to Dash8King!
I was the Captain on Alaska 322 to San Jose that reported the smoking wheels of the Q400 to tower. I subsequently asked tower to launch the fighters knowing full well that the aircraft had been stolen and concerned with the purpose. Later the next day I learned that the aircraft was stolen by a hometown young man that was a peer and friend of my children from Wasilla, Alaska.
Kaizaro123 In taxiing a turboprop aircraft the pitch of the blades is always giving you forward thrust, so the pilot must change the pitch to slow down. This is called using Beta! Beebo Russell didn’t know this not having been trained so he used brakes to slow the aircraft and for directional control even while taking off. This caused his brakes to smoke since he was continuously riding them even using them for yaw control rolling down the runway for takeoff. That was how I discerned he wasn’t a pilot, but had stolen the aircraft.
I used to work with Richard “Beebo” russel at one time. He was funny, kind and compassionate, not to mention one hell of a hard worker. Rest In Peace Richard, blue skies and tailwinds.
I have listened to this a few times, only because the dude sounds like the most chill guy ever, sad deal for sure but i think hes in a better place then the hell hole down here on earth
Salud to the ATC guy who just remain calm when talking to this guy. He did not judge or confront the guy with strong words..just keeping him company that was all. What a job they had.
It's heartwarming to see the support everyone is giving Richard. He didn't hurt anyone, he was just a tired man at his wits end with a broken, cruel and unfair world. He's not a hero, I don't condone what he did, but anyone with even a semblance of a heart can sympathize with how he felt in these moments.
@@buxadonoff They probably realized he was mentally ill. Not an evil person. Maybe if he had received proper medication he could have lived a normal life and not died like this.
Really impressed with how the guy from the tower managed it. That sort of interaction could have flipped everything if it triggered any anger. Well done!
@@Ryan-nl8mz I knew it. Some religious nut would eventually rear it's ugly head. SkyKing is at peace because his brain no longer functions, meaning there is no more suffering. Once your brain ceases to exist, so do you. You'll eventually find that out.
You left out his famous line: "“I think I'm going to try to do a barrel roll, and if that goes good I'll go nose down and call it a night.” RIP Skyking
@@navrhy3075 It takes about $7,000 average to learn how to fly a plane and you can do it over a period of two years. Everyone started with a little prop plane. He could have too.
xXJMatherXx It cost me $10,000 for mine, and not everyone can afford that. Plus it’s psychological. Some people just keep their internal struggles bottled up all their lives and when it eventually happens, they lose it. And this happens. That’s how mass shootings happen. This guy didn’t do that. He simply wanted to go out feeling free. Something he never was in life
Nav Rhy that’s why I said average. Also, I agree that not everyone can do it. However, to celebrate mental illness and be happy for a man that snapped isn’t helping that problem. He shouldn’t be celebrated as a hero like the meme says. He should be looked at as a lesson. Celebrating his “happiness” while he’s up there is only going to get more people killed next time. He was lucky he kept control and didn’t kill anyone else. Edit: grammar
@Kyokamaru………..the touching element is listening to the reactively "level headed" broken human aspect of this drama. Of course what he did was stupid, dangerous but at the end of the day he took it upon himself to consciously NOT try and hurt anyone but himself. If you can't understand that then you're just a fucking idiot
To the ATC and USAF : thank you both for treating this man with respect....this was a suicide mission and before he left this earth he was treated with kindness and respect and he seemed to die doing what he wanted without taking anyone with....so very sad
He honestly seemed like a really nice guy. No dramatic suicide mission involving other people, none of that garbage. Just a dude who wanted to see if he could fly a plane as his last wish. I wish he could have gotten the help he desperately needed.
I know people like to say "Wish he/she got the help they needed" but some people simply cannot be rehabilitated. Sure it might work once or twice, but people this depressed relapse just like a drug user or criminal, success stories are few.
"just a broken guy" that hit me hard as shit. I always feel this way and here this guy described it in words perfectly. Damn I wish he had been helped the way he needed. RIP Rich
I know, LazyAlgorithm. I am a broken person, will never be the person I used to be, but I am still screwed together. I know Rich was a thief, but at least he got in his barrel roll and he got his exit without injuring anyone else. RIP, Rich.
Yeah, it really sucks when you feel like you're not a person and you're just existing in all this bullshit. I struggle with it every day. I had a pyschotic break a few years ago and ended up in the pysch ward of a hospital. It was a month-long nightmare that I'm still recovering from. I can totally relate to this guy and how he just said "Fuck it all". It's an extremely lonely place to be and I wouldn't wish it on anybody.
When he said there were a few people that believed in him and they were gonna be disappointed... I kinda knew what he was gonna do. I’ve been there a few times actually though I usually pull myself out of whatever rut(if it can be called that) I’m in it’s still an absolute nightmare especially looking back.
Yes, but he could have taken out an elementary school or a whole neighborhood as well. Non pilots are in airplanes in the air tragedy is imminent. No rip for this moron.
Heartbreaking. He just wanted one last happy moment. Good job to the ATC and fighter pilot for being so kind and respectful, they allowed him a happy final moment. RIP Skyking.
Dude went out a legend. Stole a plane, had some fun flying it. Sadly crashed but didn't hurt anyone and didn't want to hurt anyone. Hell he even was trying to stay away from other planes.
Imagine being that air force pilot and watching a pure amateur do crazy things that you wish you could do in a random not really capable of it aeroplane.. that jet pilot was jealous. Good for you Richard.
@@seltaeb9691 while I agree what he did was stupid and irresponsible, and he potentially endangered many lives, I don't think he put Air Alaska (the owner of the plane) out of business or cost hundreds of jobs...
That AF pilot had the best view, and was so calm...knowing that at any moment, he could get the order to shoot him down. Just an absolute professional job between ATC and all involved.
Both men talking to him the air traffic controler and the piolot were amazing. They couldn't have done a better job. God bless them. After hearing those two guys i actually have more hope now for humanity. There are actually good people here in this world.
Rich was amazing. He embodied the American spirit of going after a goal and achieving it, rather than waiting on bureaucrats to give him permission to achieve.
I hope that this opens people's eyes to the reality of suicide.. it's not just some random act after something bad happened..most suicidal people aren't going around crying and don't seem depressed. He was calm, collected and in his "right mind". So please keep an eye on your loved ones. Pick up on the subtle details and clues. Rest In Peace, Rich You went out in a blaze of glory. I'm sure the view was magnificent.
I'm not even sure he was suicidal ,or depressed. We can't just go and call everything like that. Some men just go out like that. He saw behind the curtain, he didn't want to pretend. I know there's a lot of people like him. They aren't depressed. They are done.
Our society's reaction to the virus will lead to many many more suicides and countless cases of depression and mental health issues. What a price will be paid for the "solution"
At the beginning of the video I thought to myself "this guy is crazy, he is going to hit another plane or crash because he thinks flying is like a video game" ... then when I hear him speak my heart broke, he had no bad intentions towards others, just have a good time before passing away. Special thanks to the Tower and the pilots who spoke to him so kindly without ever criticizing him, trying to help him. After five minutes I started to cry.
"I'm just a broken guy with some screws loose" The ability to steal, taxi and takeoff a plane, as well as continue to fly it by hand and pulling a barrel roll near missing the ground, is amazing, before he crashed the plane and died RIP Rich, stay happy in the afterlife!
Because of Political Correctness, they cut out the part where he said "Naw, I'm a white guy" when they told him they would give him a job anywhere if he could land it.
@user name shutuuuuuppppp ! You’re projecting fiction and things that didn’t happen. And that’s it ! It didn’t happen he flew into an island and killed himself and no one else. He didn’t hurt anyone ! So hush with your false conviction ! Bottom line he didn’t hurt anyone except himself. Quit all that he
@@Powertuber1000 The guy wasn't a fool. He knew the only thing waiting for him was a long prison sentence. As for your "missing audio". There's no place on this channel for that. You may have gotten lost on your way to the COD channel.
That's a fine sentiment and I understand it but it's just that you said "like most of us".... I'm just interested in who are the exceptions to that and can I be one of them ;)
@@JeremyBlant Yes, but as far as I know those are the professional, super expensive flight simulators they have at aviation schools, not some video games you can play at home.
@@elle-iza untrue. xplane-11 i know has a pro version that is FAA certified. people build massively expensive setups to make it like a real cockpit. x-plane 11 supports using all of these instruments and screens as if it was real: www.x-plane.com/pro/certified/ .. realsimgear.com/products/g1000-cirrus-perspective-console
Dieing in an Air Crash always seems to me like a most haunting way to go, this person makes it feel like most peaceful and beautiful way to go down, like you are embracing the final moments after a nice view of this world...
My heart feels for Rich. This was emotional to watch for me. I was thinking about his loved ones watching this video, and they're listening to his voice in the last few minutes of his life. If this was my brother or husband, I wouldn't be able to handle it. Rich seemed to be an intelligent guy, and he could've been a pilot. R.I.P. Rich. May his family be in peace. So many people need help and are afraid to admit it or can't afford the cost of a therapist, psychiatrist, or counseling, which is so sad.
Yet help isnt always an option. You have your own choice to end your life at any moment because it's your life and only yours. I saw some documentaries about him and he didn't have a spontanous bad phase in his life but suffered for long. And any person want to keep another person suffering only because they can't deal with loss is really cruel.
The fact that he was even able to fly the plane in the first place with no training really puts into perspective the great things that man could have achieved had he just realized how great he truly was. It seemed like all he wanted was one moment of sunshine. Unfortunately, he was only able to see a small fraction of it when it was already too late. Mental health issues are no joke. RIP Rich.
I would think he played the flight simulator p3d with the majestic Q400 studied the airplane with those manuals and learnt how to fly the Q400 as I own it is can say it is very accurate
Sean Basran What is your problem? The original comment is clearly meant to be a joking and amusing comment, so this guy laughs at it, and you ask him what his problem is? Jesus fuck.
haha you know inside the pilot and controlman were screaming inside "don't you dare fucking try a barrel roll!" but outside they had to be all like, "i see you're turning to the right, maybe turn back towards the left to level off."
10:55 when rich responds with "yeah" you can tell he had zero intention on landing the plane safely. Almost as if he wanted to tell the controller its a suicide mission, but just couldn't.
You know having a few 'screws-loose' myself but not nearly as much as he may have had my heart goes out to him and wishes him God-speed...and strangely even some respect.
I agree. Someone will say not to romance the guy but its just plain sad. He says "low fuel. Well I better stop looking at that" That logic clearly shows how far he had fallen. His solution to the low fuel was to stop looking at the gauge
That statement alone is sad as hell, I can't imagine what his family and friends felt like afterward when hearing that he said this, in his time of need they were not there to help and comfort him, he was probably a really nice guy that,,,,, Just Broke. : (
@Jimo Yeah, it is a sad thing isn't it, I know too many like him, I seem to be drawn to people in need and the down and out ...it's a bit tiring but the reward is a good feeling if I can save them. ( which I do ). As I said I feel for the family, for they can not help if they do not know.
@@danijuggernaut yeah he could have hurt someone on the ground, but he didn't. He clearly states " i don't want to hurt any one else" and intentionally flew it into a wooded area when he could have easily chose a building. Clearly you weren't listening to him when he was talking in this video, similar to people in his life not listening to him when he needed help.
This is so sad. This guys sounds so broken and down. Its bitter sweet the way everyone tried so hard to help him get down and make comfortable. Sounds like he had the time of his life till the end.
He sounded so "normal" in the beginning, but then the sadness and hopelessness came through. I would have liked to have known more about him. If he had never flown before, amazing flying!
Sadly would probably attempt a lot of suicides in prison, then get sent to an isolation cell which would only slowly drive him further down into insanity.
@@juliezaremskiy3635 i mean why would he just get sent to an isolation cell? and im sure theyd have him on suicide watch but we all know how jeffery epsteins suicide watch went o.o
He would never have made the landing. he would have come in too fast even if he got lucky on his glide slope. he didn't understand the turbo prop power feathering.
Not really if you keep the wings straight and level it's like driving a car. He killed the brakes on takeoff because the pitch of the blades were not set for taxi.
Philip Pirie Fucking agree. I don't see why everyone is siding with this guy that stole a multi million dollar aircraft and destroyed it, while potentially endangering the people on the ground. Fuck him.
@@Mugen_YG No one is praising him. What they are doing is empathising. You have no clue what was happening in this young persons life. It's so easy to look back and say they should done this or that. Sad loss, I just hope there is somewhere after and he is happier their. I feel for his family that will wonder all the 'what ifs' for the rest of their lives.
RIP Sky King. I come back here to watch your videos all the time. You give me a lot of hope that there are still great people left in this world, but it makes me sad to know that you’re gone. I get satisfaction in knowing that you went away on your own terms and had a blast while doing it. I can very much relate with the “broken guy” mentality and I’m sure many around the world do too. I wish I had a fraction of the fortitude that you did. I hope that you’re in a better place now and I wish you and your family peace
This incident truly changed the way I live my life as an aviation student. There are lots of people out there like Rich wanting to become pilots, but never had the privilege or time anymore to do that. I feel like I must live every second of career to its fullest, when I have all the time and resources provided to achieve this dream.
Had that dream since I was a kid, played all kinds of simulators. And flying schools weren't that common. Still aren't. Oh well, life goes on as long as you find something else to pursue!
His statement "" I'm just a broken guy""" alone is terribly sad, I can't imagine what his family and friends felt like afterward when hearing that he said this, in his time of need they were not there to help and comfort him, he was probably a really nice guy that all of a sudden,,,,, Just Broke. : (
@Han Lockhart Living with a person who has mental illness (depression or bipolar disorder) is a tough road to walk. I think you do his friends and family a disservice to judge them. All the listening in the world does not help the person feel better, sleep at night and wake with a sense of optimism and equilibrium. Encouragement is blown off because they "just don't understand" and "they keep saying the same stuff" so people with mental illness shut down. I've walked that road. Be kind, will you?
Should of tried telling him there was a child's medication left on board. He seemed like a decent bloke and would have tried to bring it back. Rip you mad lad.
@@martypello7870 But that's only the way you like to view it, not a fact, right ;) Also, it puts common sense in a bad light, if you go out on a limb like that from your armchair.
Living in the region, I remember hearing this from my parents, absolutly so crazy that this dude seemed so happy. I honestly think that this is one of the most crazy flights ever. He was doing stunts in a turboprop airliner when he only had experience flying in simulators, rest in peace Beebo.
As a mental health worker you can hear that suicide was his intention from the start. His ignoring the pilots orders for a safe landing and such. He had no plan for a safe landing. He wanted to die doing something he watched others do...fly a plane. R.I.P.
As a stair builder, I can tell you that when a person puts one foot up and puts it on the first step of a staircase, they are trying to go up. Dude seriously?
This actually made me cry. So so sad. He knew exactly what he was doing, he did not sound crazy. Decided for whatever reason he was not strong enough to live in this world anymore. He could have taken out a lot of people if he wanted to.
Who knows what he was going home to each night. Yes this guy was not insane by any stretch. I'm no psych but it is based only on his communications in those moments. He sounded like a guy that just didn't give a damn if he lived another minute. Sometimes the people around you every day might make you feel like you need to take an airplane into the air with no experience on how to fly nor land. Who knows in his case.
5 років тому+5
you are assuming, i dont know what you heard by i heard a cry for help, but instead of getting help he choose to die, thankful he didnt take others with him, but when i finished watching i cried, because i hate flying wont get on a plane but thought to myslef wow now that's the way to do it instant death, most likely no pain, my choice to date is train, but others may get hurt in the mess, and when i go i dont want it to hurt others, and i have had that thought for yrs, doctors know police know and crisis knows but this guy maybe didnt realize his depression was there until he got on that plane, when people break down it isnt always screaming or crying or not getting out of bed, some snap with out knowing why they feel the way they do, and those are really the dangerous ones, he took a plane, others take guns or drive into traffic and take out many
Completely agree. The guy was highly motivated, confident, able to experience both empathy for others and enjoyment for himself. There's a difference between misery and depression. Depression is learned helplessness, a depressed person stops seeing potential opportunities as they "learn" that the opportunities are false, and attempting to follow them leads to disappointment, and the inability to make desired improvements... like, if you believe that ultimately, people won't care about you, then you no longer think that meeting new people might cheer you up, so you stop seeing opportunities that may lead to making new friends, you become blind to them even being a thing to choose. If, on the other hand, you have a life that consistently denies you opportunities that simply constantly feel just out of reach, and you don't feel helpless, you feel unhelped, where you do still want things, but through financial constraints or something, have no path to the things you could want, then it's not a medical condition to be sad, it's not irrational to not want something that isn't very nice, and as life continues to get worse for more and more people, it shouldn't be a surprise to see more and more people not want it. It's not life that's precious, what's precious is a life that's worth living, it's wrong to keep denying people everything worth having just to keep giving it all to shareholders and CEOs who can't even appreciate it, but believe other people don't deserve it. The guy was 28, he should have had options available for less than the cost of his life. I do hope we stop allowing this to be done to each other.
To think his last and most desired wish was nothing more than to pass over and see the mountains from a pilot's seat. A tribute to the wonders of aviation and the beauty of nature.
Richard Russell is the Everyman. "Hey, if I land this thing, I could get a job piloting?* Sure, you could get any job you want." You left out Rich's response. :-! What he did say, he was spot on. His life sucked, and he took control of the only thing he could. His death. God bless, Sky King...
he was at a dead end job, a shit job, making minimum wage, with no path forward or upwards. For the first time since was a kid he was free... and then you're right, he took control of the only thing he could.
"I'm going to do a barrel roll and if it goes well, I'll nose down and call it a night." He was ready to die... More accurately, he was ready as soon as he got into the plane and took off... "I wasn't really planning on landing"
I remember hearing this on the news as it happened and everyone stepping out of the building at work to look up. We were actually able to spot it for just a second way out in the distance. One hell of a way to go, and at least it was on his own terms. Just shows how well adjusted someone can seem while feeling so horrible in their own mind. Rest easy Richard.
For those of you that think Rich is cool or a legend or whatever; you are all assholes. He stole a plane and crashed it. He could have killed people on the ground.
These guys did a great job trying to help Richard. He had his mind made up and was not going to accept any help. I’m glad he didn’t hurt anyone. Rip Richard
Beebo, went to high school with him in Alaska. What a unit! Incredible guy and family as well. May he rest in peace now that he is not suffering within.
He sounded like a cool guy. Huge bummer he felt the way he did. I understand his frustration regarding MONEY and WORK. Most of us normies work our lives away just to hopefully scrape by while rich people and politicians get richer. Godspeed Rich/Beebo/#Sky-King
@D S ; You're right! But shooting at him doesn't make him vanish and he could still wander into populated areas. Maybe they thought the best way was to try to save the situation. I bet if he let them help him land and got some counseling, his life would've turned around. We'll never know. He sure went out in style.
For those of you that think Rich is cool or a legend or whatever; you are all assholes. He stole a plane and crashed it. He could have killed people on the ground.
But he didn’t kill anyone on the ground. That’s the point. No one would respect this guy if he did. We would all be saying what an asshole he was if he crashed into a neighborhood. End of the day, a relatable guy went on a airplane joyride and ended his life in style and hurt no one else. You’re calling people assholes for a hypothetical that never happened.
@@samsnead7 But he didn’t kill anyone on the ground. That’s the point. No one would respect this guy if he did. We would all be saying what an asshole he was if he crashed into a neighborhood. End of the day, a relatable guy went on a airplane joyride and ended his life in style and hurt no one else. You’re calling people assholes for a hypothetical that never happened.
🤣😁👍🏾Exactly,, Respect to the air traffic controller for staying Cool as a Fan but they were trying to guide him in for a smooth landing straight to Prison for a long F”ing time and he understood that lol
Han Lockhart it’s bad on the airline really for leaving the keys in it! He should have never been able to start it and go fly had they secured it properly
When he mentionned disapointing his friends and family, they knew what they were dealing with. You can hear the resignation in their voices. Before that, they probably thought this man was some crazy gamer weeb wanting to crash the plane on innocent people. Much respect for this man, I'm glad he found his hapiness.
His dream of flying a real airplane came true at the last mins of his life. He must be a genius knowing how to fly an airplane by playing video games. If the guy could do a backflip in the air, he certainly could land safely if he wanted to. He was funny by asking if Alaska could give me a job. He was calm entire time, no panic even that was his first real time flying. Also I like how ATC and USAF folks were talking to him without blaming tone instead of nice and calm way. RIP!
He must have played the flight simulator, his first time flying, and did a barrel roll very impressed I would give him pilot wings, he knew he was going to prison a long time if he landed it.
For those of you that think Rich is cool or a legend or whatever; you are all assholes. He stole a plane and crashed it. He could have killed people on the ground.
I've never flown a plane that class size but what he did was thought to be impossible. No jokes or memes, I remember senior pilots saying that maybe 1% of people with over 10,000 hours would be able to do this. He never even spent 10 minutes in a cockpit before this. To put it in context, it's like a 12 year old dunking on LeBron James. I'm convinced as I ever have that this was an act of God.
@@conskate act of god? You serious? Why didn't he save Rich's life? What the fuck would he care if a barrel roll was pulled off. You people always crack me up.
I live across the Sound from Seattle and of course remember this when it happened. "Just a broken guy", that really hit me, you could tell he was a nice guy and didn't want to hurt anyone. R.I.P Rich.
For those of you who haven't seen it, I highly recommend searching the footage of this incident; it's here on UA-cam. This video doesn't quite capture how goddamn close to the water he got towards the end of that roll. It's insane. RIP: Richard Russell. Thanks for not taking anyone else with you, buddy.
He might have been one hell of a pilot for real if circumstances had been better for him. If he'd been able to afford the training and all. Not sure if the lack of that was one of the things bothering him, but one of his grandfathers, I believe, had been a pilot and Richard admired him a lot. Flying was certainly in his blood. He picked up so much from flight simulator games, it's hard to believe he never flew a real plane before. It's a shame he destroyed himself and destroyed a beautiful airplane, but he found a fairly uninhabited place to crash. Considerate of others' lives. Just like a real pilot. I hope in some parallel universe there's a Bebo who got to be one! RIP.
That's how it works with people planning on committing suicide. All their problems are solved and soon the pain will end. You see, suicidal people don't want to die. They just see no other way to end the pain. You could hear the euphoria in his voice - because he knew that the pain was going to end.
If you’re ever in a situation where you are certain you’re going to die, you feel a very peculiar calmness come over you. I’ve nearly died 3 times. Once almost drown in a turbulent river, once in a car wreck, and once in an armed robbery. It felt the same each time. You have thoughts about how your loved ones will react to the news of your death, you get an extremely rapid flood of memories (some people call this life flashing before their eyes) and then you kind of resign yourself to knowing this is how you die and how you never thought it would be this way. It’s not a panicked feeling at all, much the opposite. A warm rush of memories and calmness, and gratitude for having ever lived at all.
What he was really apologizing for, was the fact that he is leaving behind his loved ones in the way that he did or should I say, had to! This is shattering in every aspect of being human. It doesn't leave a single space in a human that doesn't feel heartbroken, devastated, in loss for words for expression! I mean.....
Not a bad man? Maybe if we are talking about some mentally challenged individual. He wasn't. You don't get a free pass to possible kill dozens just because "trouble he could not deal with". What bullshít. Next time some other deluded imbecile like this guy will cause millions of dollars in damages or kill many just because everyone treats him like a freaking child all the freaking time.
It really bothers me how many recordings floating on this incident he said exactly why he did it and its always cut out. Crap pay and no chance of becoming a pilot.
@@HLProGamer Yeah, something like: Oh come onnnnn, I'm a white male! No way they're gonna hire me! ... Sometimes uncut audio gets posted over at 4chan's /pol/ board.
I didn't know what to expect in the comments but it's so nice to see all the respect and love for Rich. Brought me to tears. Listening to Rich, ATC and the F-15 pilots on this and some of the other videos gives me inspiration when I feel down sometimes as everyone is compassionate and understanding of Rich's plight. Even hearing the respect from the F-15 pilot after the Barrel Roll gets me. This event, without doubt, profoundly affected everyone involved that day and we will never forget you Rich. God Bless everyone involved and God Bless the USAF pilots for letting Rich leave us on his own terms and, thank you for your service. Rest in Peace mighty Sky King. May you be a beacon of light for anyone suffering from depression or hopelessness. Peace everyone. P.S. @TheFlightChannel, great video. You just gained a new subscriber.
2 THINGS. Knowing the story in advance, the takeoff absolutely gives chills. 2nd, a real shame, the guy sounds like a real decent sort. Be a good neighbor, or buddy to have a beer with.
Sky King - gone, but not forgotten. Such a sad story, we all have our problems. One man decided to just fly a plane. What sets him apart is how kind, and honest he was. He knew he would die. He planned it, trying not to injure any civilians. Live long Sky King.
@I'm an idiot but , well your username fits you well. If you lived in a gated pampered life, you wouldn't understand. If you lived in a life that expected too much of you, gotten ass fucked by people and society for being kind, and being a man, only then you would understand. Stop being a simp soiboy.
Bitch ! How the hell he could be a skyking. A bloody looser who hijacked a plane and crashing into somewhere . Is that a work to be appreciated ? Fuck off Is this the way to solve personal problems . What a lose to that airline and all the costs. Bloody looser.
That is seriously one hell of a suicide. He stole a plane - successfully took off - flew over to see the Olympics - was chill the whole time and then did the ultimate finale by barrell rolling the plane before sadly - ending is own life. Dammnnnnn!
@@mach6893 But let's face it, there's no guarantee you won't kill others when you crash a plane. I accept he didn't set out to kill anybody but himself, but causing the deaths of others could easily have been the end result. Very sad.
@@TimeMasterOG Bottom line is he knew when he enacted his audacious suicide plan, crashing a commercial aircraft could endanger lives on the ground (as could attempting to land it successfully). Quit nit-picking - this is not a little light aircraft we're talking about, it was freaking HUGE and he was not a pilot. He should have gone somewhere quiet and hanged himself or taken pills, like every other unselfish suicidal person.
@@TimeMasterOGThere could have been a guy sitting in the tree not on the radio channel, unbeknown to all. What about Bambi? Bambi runs around the forest, and so does Brother Bear and Rutt and Tuke the mooses!
At some point, I think they realized how this was going to end despite their best efforts to talk him down. He was quite talented and an affable guy. All suicides are sad but this one really sticks in my craw because you could get into his head in his final moments. Very sad.
Ngl this one was a tear jerker. In a way I understand his broken state. I dont know if I'd ever take my life or even attempt such a stunt, but the feeling of freedom and euphoria he must have felt flying that plane was probably something he had never experienced. God speed rich.
Did they ever interview the ATC Andrew? He really wanted to help him. Even when it may be more dangerous he didn’t give up hope that he could help him land.
The guy probably has PTSD and beats himself up over this. But, Andrew, you did your absolute best, and that's important. Jesus sees that and loves you!
He had no consideration for anyone else on the ground he could of killed hundreds!he could of caused a twin tower!he is NT a broken man a stupid guy with depression!
@@jameswalker3073 clearly he did as he crashed into an area that was almost completely uninhabited. And you clearly don't know what depression is talking like that.
"In times of war and angriness, one guy just wanted to do some barrel rolls" - a guy that comment it and I can't remember his name Rest in peace, Skyking, we all understand you, mate
@@felixcat9455 Don't worry about whether or not there is a conspiracy. If you're not in a conspiracy, than you need to start one. Catherine Austin Fitts.
Crypto Jack well maybe I should. Everyone is doing. It’s the thing to do these days. The internet makes it really easy for conspiracies to spread like wildfire.
Wasn’t it convenient that the only section of the plane visible after the “crash” had the tail number on it? So the Feds were given Carte Blanche to go in and search EVERYTHING on this private, residential island.
Rich was amazing. He embodied the American spirit of going after a goal and achieving it, rather than waiting on bureaucrats to give him permission to achieve.
I live about 15 minutes from where this happened. I could see his plane for a few minutes and could hear the crash. Was really sad to find out about his story later on. In one hour, he got to achieve a lifetime's worth of dreams. Rest in paradise Rich.
I was living in Seattle when this happened. Seatac gets some weird shit. D.B. Cooper, bird strike with an Eagle, Captain Rich Role, landing on the taxiway.
@@jillsmcfarland2001 I'm not sure. I don't remember ever seeing any other low flying planes near where I live, unless you count the fighter jets following this guy. Sorry, but I don't know.
Give the ATC guy & Pilot their retirement package throw in a holiday to celebrate their efforts of being calm AF in the mist of catastrophe & let them live the rest of their life in peace, stress free...my god
They were so good with him, so calm and friendly and reassuring. Rich sounded elated at first but you could hear it in his voice as he flew further and further, he'd done what he'd wanted to and while sad he was at peace with his end. Definitely a lump in the throat moment. Rest easy, Richard.
Yeah I saw that and thought how the f*#k did he manage to come back from that when I've watched several of these videos where even trained pilots can't recover from
This one always makes me feel such sadness... Sadness for the young man who felt he had no other option than to kill himself in one last "blaze of glory". All suicides make me feel this way, but this one even moreso.
That conversation was so heavy and sad. Even though guys wasn’t crying or screaming, it still was more horrifying then any horror movie, because it was real. I have depression off and on and I can’t even imagine what was going through thats guys head during that flight. Flight controller and a pilot did a great job trying to salvage the situation. Man it got deep. Just imagine what the loved ones have thought when they listen to that conversation...
After reading numerous comments, what I find most comforting is that people are not criticizing what he did, but empathizing with the pain he was struggling with. Rest in peace my man - one final barrel roll, then no more pain. See you on the other side Sky King.
@@KepleroGT He'd have got prison long enough for the general public to forget his existence, and probably could've ended up being recruited by the armed forces.
but if he landed safely, FBI would have thrown a big net over him and hauled him off to some padded room. Who wants to live in that disgrace? I feel for the guy, and he took the only sensible route.
Good story Flight Channel. I’ve seen so many stories covered (most further in depth than this). Rich had been working for the airline as a grounds crewmen. He would hook up the tow unit and affix the arm to the front landing gear and could maneuver, park, these grounded aircraft. Rich was a well liked employee by all of the employees (including the pilots of the airline). He would often sit up in the cockpit and watch the pilots go thru their grounded preflight checklists and even ask questions about the basics and of how to start each engine. The day of the flight rich had hooked the plane up to his tow vehicle and move it towards the runway. Once the he had the plane in proximity to runway, rich unhooked the tower, moved it out of the path and calmly climbed into the cockpit. Once he was in the cockpit he went thru the preflight checklists and started the engines. This was all captured by the CCTV footage. It also revealed just how many employees never noticed and some did but didn’t think anything of it. What’s remarkable is this young man actually started up an airliner and new his way around the cockpit to have the ability to get the big cargo plane in the air. Without any formal training whatsoever. If only this young man could see how remarkable and talented he was… not only the takeoff but putting this long fuselaged Archaic plane into a full blown barrel role would leave any Blue Angel pilot in awe. RIP, SkyKing
I like how the air force pilot said “he’d be a hero if he lands it” as a subtle way of trying to get him to land the plane
yes, it's a pity he didn't hit on that earlier, maybe they could have got him to start hoping and try to save himself by landing the plane. According to this video, that sentence was the last thing he heard before he pushed the controls down to kill himself.
I had not thought of it that way. Nice one
Yea that was smart. Didn’t work but it honestly was a genius thing to say. Sometimes these crazy people need to hear things like that. That was an amazing try.
ya real subtle lol
stop clowning my guy if it werent for the military you so despise, you would be german by now.
Give credit to air traffic control to, for making him feel comfortable.
The ATC guy was awesome. Kudos for dealing with it so calmly and with concern for the pilot.
@@springbok4015 Same for the F-15 pilot
Absolutely. It didn’t even seem like he talked with an airplanethief who only knew gamerelated stuff.
“It’s ok, nothing wrong with what you did, you will not be into any trouble kiddo”
@@fluffy-fluffy5996 The reason behind that was that if you get all authoritarian on the high-risk offender, you may provoke a violent reaction that could have been prevented.
ATC and the F-15 pilot were doing great at keeping it conversational and peaceful with a view to safely land the plane.
Andrew I understood that 🙂
Mad props for ATC keeping a slow, reassuring voice. They aren't psychologists. But instinctually knew, don't take hostile or demanding tone.
Yeah... that guy might have done something stupid and hurt himself if they had gotten aggressive.. *eyeroll*
@@johnd5398 might've decided to put it down in a populated area 🙄
Yup. It's like trying to convince a 4 year old to do what you ask without getting pushy. It's not easy!
They weren't psychologists but I think they did a damn good job and deserve some kind of medal.
Psychologists don’t k is sh*t
I had the pleasure of knowing him through high school. He was always very kind and made everyone laugh around him. Saddened me to this day to think he thought this was his only option. You're missed dearly Beebo. RIP my friend.
:>(
Damn man, sorry to hear that. Seemed like a good dude. I think they should have contacted a family member or a mental health/crisis counselor to speak to him. The two that spoke to him didn’t know how to speak to him and try and dissuade his negativity thoughts.
I think he had a bad day, frustrated that he made minimum wage, saw the opportunity to take the plane and didn’t think he would get in the air a quickly and easily as he did. Once in the air, he felt he had no other option but to crash it. He was worried about the shame and thought he would be prisoned for many years.
Little did he know that a few years later, his area is out of control and lawless and he may have just gotten some probation.
Rip to Dash8King!
What a pilot he could have been
I’m so sorry for your loss. How very sad.
life is better with you beebo... wherever you are in the afterlife, I hope the best for you
I was the Captain on Alaska 322 to San Jose that reported the smoking wheels of the Q400 to tower. I subsequently asked tower to launch the fighters knowing full well that the aircraft had been stolen and concerned with the purpose. Later the next day I learned that the aircraft was stolen by a hometown young man that was a peer and friend of my children from Wasilla, Alaska.
Wow. You guys are brave doing that job. And it's so sad what happened I hope he's in heaven
Thank you for your quick assertion. Why did it take so long for the tower to request the fighters?
man, too bad he didnt land it and lived, it wudve been eassy for him , but he just wanted to chek out.
Kaizaro123 In taxiing a turboprop aircraft the pitch of the blades is always giving you forward thrust, so the pilot must change the pitch to slow down. This is called using Beta! Beebo Russell didn’t know this not having been trained so he used brakes to slow the aircraft and for directional control even while taking off. This caused his brakes to smoke since he was continuously riding them even using them for yaw control rolling down the runway for takeoff. That was how I discerned he wasn’t a pilot, but had stolen the aircraft.
@@Tomrryaniv So his real name was Beebo Russell, not Richard R... ?
I used to work with Richard “Beebo” russel at one time. He was funny, kind and compassionate, not to mention one hell of a hard worker. Rest In Peace Richard, blue skies and tailwinds.
Jeremy Kaelin Sorry to hear that. He surely was not like the rest. RIP.
I have listened to this a few times, only because the dude sounds like the most chill guy ever, sad deal for sure but i think hes in a better place then the hell hole down here on earth
He sounds like he was a fun guy. So anyone know what compelled him to do this?
eric zerkle Probably the issue with wage slave working. The stress got to him.
Underlying mental health problems fuck him for endangering the lives of others.
Salud to the ATC guy who just remain calm when talking to this guy. He did not judge or confront the guy with strong words..just keeping him company that was all. What a job they had.
Tito Adiyanto very true
Tt Miller I think they were also keeping silent so as to not encourage him. But yeah they were probably at a loss for words
Agent S Rich did say probably he had a few loose screws, that’s when the radio went silent.
It's heartwarming to see the support everyone is giving Richard. He didn't hurt anyone, he was just a tired man at his wits end with a broken, cruel and unfair world.
He's not a hero, I don't condone what he did, but anyone with even a semblance of a heart can sympathize with how he felt in these moments.
I'll drink to that.
Beautifully said
Omg. I can't believe he actually managed to pull that roll and gain control again after that. Insane.
Someone film that roll and post it on youtube, i saw it, i will try to find the link!
@@satamique Oh please do
Here: ua-cam.com/video/HCtfYF3ITGE/v-deo.html
But i saw another one filmed by another guy, hope i will find!
oh! it's this one: watch at 8:51 it's hilarious!
ua-cam.com/video/xIlDy2iWMHM/v-deo.html
@@satamique Hah, well wouldn't use the word 'hilarious' because the topic is so morbid but yeah, it looks crazy.
The assistance he got was well delivered and with the best intentions.
ColdWaterThrower Yes, they were very chill
I liked the pilots talking to him, they seemed nice and weren't condescending to him.
@@buxadonoff They probably realized he was mentally ill. Not an evil person. Maybe if he had received proper medication he could have lived a normal life and not died like this.
Really impressed with how the guy from the tower managed it. That sort of interaction could have flipped everything if it triggered any anger. Well done!
That’s funny bc they didn’t try to convince him it’s not worth ending it all
"I'm just a broken guy" gets me every time. Rest in peace, buddy
Me too. Heartwrenching.
Unless he knew Jesus there is no resting in peace for poor rich :(
@@Ryan-nl8mz I knew it. Some religious nut would eventually rear it's ugly head. SkyKing is at peace because his brain no longer functions, meaning there is no more suffering. Once your brain ceases to exist, so do you. You'll eventually find that out.
how sad. i am still watching but i think this gonna end bad
Ryan Schulz oh shut the fuck up
You left out his famous line: "“I think I'm going to try to do a barrel roll, and if that goes good I'll go nose down and call it a night.” RIP Skyking
Why was so much left out? Is there a full clip to watch somewhere?
@@chrisfulgieri6305 there are many-
@Robert Smith Umm, *roll.
Skyking. What the hell u saying man. You encouraging this bullshit.
For those few moments, he was the happiest man on this planet. This story hit me really hard.
For some reason when i read your comment, i heard Morgan Freeman's voice in my head....
Bill Williams
I’m not even gonna bother responding to you. You do realize that not everyone can just go to “flying school” right?
@@navrhy3075 It takes about $7,000 average to learn how to fly a plane and you can do it over a period of two years. Everyone started with a little prop plane. He could have too.
xXJMatherXx
It cost me $10,000 for mine, and not everyone can afford that. Plus it’s psychological. Some people just keep their internal struggles bottled up all their lives and when it eventually happens, they lose it. And this happens. That’s how mass shootings happen. This guy didn’t do that. He simply wanted to go out feeling free. Something he never was in life
Nav Rhy that’s why I said average. Also, I agree that not everyone can do it. However, to celebrate mental illness and be happy for a man that snapped isn’t helping that problem. He shouldn’t be celebrated as a hero like the meme says. He should be looked at as a lesson. Celebrating his “happiness” while he’s up there is only going to get more people killed next time. He was lucky he kept control and didn’t kill anyone else.
Edit: grammar
When he said "A few people are going to be very disappointed in me after they've found out what I did" my heart just broke 💔💔
😥
You sound soft LMFAO
He could have killed people. Screw him.
IAmChosen ThePoet mine too
@Kyokamaru………..the touching element is listening to the reactively "level headed" broken human aspect of this drama. Of course what he did was stupid, dangerous but at the end of the day he took it upon himself to consciously NOT try and hurt anyone but himself. If you can't understand that then you're just a fucking idiot
To the ATC and USAF : thank you both for treating this man with respect....this was a suicide mission and before he left this earth he was treated with kindness and respect and he seemed to die doing what he wanted without taking anyone with....so very sad
excellent comment.
They all seemed to understand and did everything in their power to not let that happen, but it just wasn't enough.
They are so professional .
thats correct, if you kill yourself by crashing the plane with people in it, its basically murder
What about the huge cost of the airplane
He honestly seemed like a really nice guy. No dramatic suicide mission involving other people, none of that garbage. Just a dude who wanted to see if he could fly a plane as his last wish. I wish he could have gotten the help he desperately needed.
How the f is this not dramatic?!
@@MsTinkerbelle87 pretty sure he just meant it was quite calm. For Rich, at least.
I know people like to say "Wish he/she got the help they needed" but some people simply cannot be rehabilitated. Sure it might work once or twice, but people this depressed relapse just like a drug user or criminal, success stories are few.
@@MsTinkerbelle87 these people are delusional
Fly high sky king
"just a broken guy" that hit me hard as shit. I always feel this way and here this guy described it in words perfectly. Damn I wish he had been helped the way he needed. RIP Rich
All of us feel like that sometimes. I hope you will get some help, LazyA. Life shouldn't be a misery, to you or the people around you.
I know, LazyAlgorithm. I am a broken person, will never be the person I used to be, but I am still screwed together.
I know Rich was a thief, but at least he got in his barrel roll and he got his exit without injuring anyone else. RIP, Rich.
Yeah, it really sucks when you feel like you're not a person and you're just existing in all this bullshit. I struggle with it every day. I had a pyschotic break a few years ago and ended up in the pysch ward of a hospital. It was a month-long nightmare that I'm still recovering from. I can totally relate to this guy and how he just said "Fuck it all". It's an extremely lonely place to be and I wouldn't wish it on anybody.
@@jasonking454 Hope all is well and totally agree with what u said, this world is just slavery for everyone except those lucky ones.
When he said there were a few people that believed in him and they were gonna be disappointed... I kinda knew what he was gonna do. I’ve been there a few times actually though I usually pull myself out of whatever rut(if it can be called that) I’m in it’s still an absolute nightmare especially looking back.
I can respect him for not taking others with him
Yes, but he could have taken out an elementary school or a whole neighborhood as well. Non pilots are in airplanes in the air tragedy is imminent. No rip for this moron.
@@jonzdefy RIP for "this moron "
@@jonzdefy RIP for the guy being smart enough to go out on a deserted island. Show some humanity
John Hoke you’re the moron here, mate.
He destroyed an expensive ass aircraft and made a huge mess... I see the bar is nowadays held very low. Got no respect for this dummy.
Heartbreaking. He just wanted one last happy moment. Good job to the ATC and fighter pilot for being so kind and respectful, they allowed him a happy final moment. RIP Skyking.
Yes a very touching moment
Dude went out a legend. Stole a plane, had some fun flying it. Sadly crashed but didn't hurt anyone and didn't want to hurt anyone. Hell he even was trying to stay away from other planes.
R.I.P.
Imagine being that air force pilot and watching a pure amateur do crazy things that you wish you could do in a random not really capable of it aeroplane.. that jet pilot was jealous. Good for you Richard.
@@seltaeb9691 while I agree what he did was stupid and irresponsible, and he potentially endangered many lives, I don't think he put Air Alaska (the owner of the plane) out of business or cost hundreds of jobs...
That AF pilot had the best view, and was so calm...knowing that at any moment, he could get the order to shoot him down. Just an absolute professional job between ATC and all involved.
Both men talking to him the air traffic controler and the piolot were amazing. They couldn't have done a better job. God bless them. After hearing those two guys i actually have more hope now for humanity. There are actually good people here in this world.
Big props to the controller too man geeze. Not trained for any of this and he did everything he could.
ATC and USAF were amazing in this situation. They did everything they could to keep this man calm and try to convince him to land the plane safely.
Rich was amazing. He embodied the American spirit of going after a goal and achieving it, rather than waiting on bureaucrats to give him permission to achieve.
Their trained to do it but yeah agree
I hope that this opens people's eyes to the reality of suicide.. it's not just some random act after something bad happened..most suicidal people aren't going around crying and don't seem depressed. He was calm, collected and in his "right mind". So please keep an eye on your loved ones. Pick up on the subtle details and clues.
Rest In Peace, Rich
You went out in a blaze of glory.
I'm sure the view was magnificent.
I'm not even sure he was suicidal ,or depressed. We can't just go and call everything like that.
Some men just go out like that. He saw behind the curtain, he didn't want to pretend.
I know there's a lot of people like him. They aren't depressed. They are done.
@@NikolasoGames agreed
@ lmfao gtfo you wannabe edgy kid, you're trying too hard.
@@Kyo-kf6jf speak English
Our society's reaction to the virus will lead to many many more suicides and countless cases of depression and mental health issues. What a price will be paid for the "solution"
At the beginning of the video I thought to myself "this guy is crazy, he is going to hit another plane or crash because he thinks flying is like a video game" ... then when I hear him speak my heart broke, he had no bad intentions towards others, just have a good time before passing away. Special thanks to the Tower and the pilots who spoke to him so kindly without ever criticizing him, trying to help him. After five minutes I started to cry.
Seattle ATC had him spaced well. They are separated by 1000 feet altitudes
"I'm just a broken guy with some screws loose" The ability to steal, taxi and takeoff a plane, as well as continue to fly it by hand and pulling a barrel roll near missing the ground, is amazing, before he crashed the plane and died
RIP Rich, stay happy in the afterlife!
Sad, I wish he found a better way to fly a big airplane.
Because of Political Correctness, they cut out the part where he said "Naw, I'm a white guy" when they told him they would give him a job anywhere if he could land it.
@user name shutuuuuuppppp ! You’re projecting fiction and things that didn’t happen. And that’s it ! It didn’t happen he flew into an island and killed himself and no one else. He didn’t hurt anyone ! So hush with your false conviction ! Bottom line he didn’t hurt anyone except himself. Quit all that he
@@Powertuber1000 Annnnnd just like clockwork, here's the MAGA moron.
@@Powertuber1000 The guy wasn't a fool. He knew the only thing waiting for him was a long prison sentence.
As for your "missing audio". There's no place on this channel for that. You may have gotten lost on your way to the COD channel.
That barrel roll was sick! I can't believe he pulled that off! I have to say, that was an epic way to go. I hope he's at peace now.
I said exactly the same thing! The Dude was EPIC.
@@Leslie_Knope I think he just got lucky. Even he didn't think he'd make it out of that one.
“Epic”? Really ? Fool could have killed others.
@@davidkendall1614 You mean like board a plane with passengers or crash into town stfu man
@@davidkendall1614 he flew away so as to specifically not do that, dipshit.
I'm gonna die like most of us. Forgotten in 5 to 7 years. But this guy will forever be "That guy". God bless an unauthorised barrel roll.
That's a fine sentiment and I understand it but it's just that you said "like most of us".... I'm just interested in who are the exceptions to that and can I be one of them ;)
@@bernardw4842 easy, android modifications.
LIKE A BOSS
Where exactly is that?
who are we talking about again?
Rich: “I’ve played video games before, so I know what I’m doing a little bit”
Even if he was capable from something like MSFS, which can be used to train actual pilots, his mental state wouldn't allow it.
Based
Modern flight simulators are extremely accurate. I’ve heard they qualify for flight hours but I’m not 100 percent sure that’s still true.
@@JeremyBlant Yes, but as far as I know those are the professional, super expensive flight simulators they have at aviation schools, not some video games you can play at home.
@@elle-iza untrue. xplane-11 i know has a pro version that is FAA certified. people build massively expensive setups to make it like a real cockpit. x-plane 11 supports using all of these instruments and screens as if it was real: www.x-plane.com/pro/certified/ .. realsimgear.com/products/g1000-cirrus-perspective-console
Dieing in an Air Crash always seems to me like a most haunting way to go, this person makes it feel like most peaceful and beautiful way to go down, like you are embracing the final moments after a nice view of this world...
“Dieing”????
My heart feels for Rich. This was emotional to watch for me.
I was thinking about his loved ones watching this video, and they're listening to his voice in the last few minutes of his life.
If this was my brother or husband, I wouldn't be able to handle it. Rich seemed to be an intelligent guy, and he could've been a pilot. R.I.P. Rich. May his family be in peace.
So many people need help and are afraid to admit it or can't afford the cost of a therapist, psychiatrist, or counseling, which is so sad.
Yet help isnt always an option. You have your own choice to end your life at any moment because it's your life and only yours. I saw some documentaries about him and he didn't have a spontanous bad phase in his life but suffered for long. And any person want to keep another person suffering only because they can't deal with loss is really cruel.
If you notice he did a barrel roll over water, I would like to think just in case it went badly no one under him would be affected.
Hope it was his intention. Very sad storie.
The Fighter Pilots recommended it, and he agreed.
@@2wMaliman Ha ok, i didn't understand that. Thanks.
There's a cellphone video of the barrel roll, at least one person was nearby.
@@MrNateSPF but on the ground or in the sea?
The fact that he was even able to fly the plane in the first place with no training really puts into perspective the great things that man could have achieved had he just realized how great he truly was. It seemed like all he wanted was one moment of sunshine. Unfortunately, he was only able to see a small fraction of it when it was already too late. Mental health issues are no joke. RIP Rich.
Or how easy it is to fly a plane.
I've got Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020.
Piece of piss.
He definitely spent weeks researching flight controls before
Christ watching these vids I am learning how to fly a jet. I
I would think he played the flight simulator p3d with the majestic Q400 studied the airplane with those manuals and learnt how to fly the Q400 as I own it is can say it is very accurate
That's a beautiful perspective. Thank you and you are so right 💖
"I'm just gonna do this barrel roll real quick."
"Nah, dont do that..."
BANK ANGLE, BANK ANGLE.
Hemingway wtf is your problem
Sean Basran What is your problem? The original comment is clearly meant to be a joking and amusing comment, so this guy laughs at it, and you ask him what his problem is? Jesus fuck.
McSkeetah TheCheetoCheetah my Fault because I didn’t see it that way
U should listen to the version with the two fighter jet, they was like "MAAAAAAAn this dude, he touched the water with that fucking airplane" LOL.
haha you know inside the pilot and controlman were screaming inside "don't you dare fucking try a barrel roll!" but outside they had to be all like, "i see you're turning to the right, maybe turn back towards the left to level off."
10:55 when rich responds with "yeah" you can tell he had zero intention on landing the plane safely. Almost as if he wanted to tell the controller its a suicide mission, but just couldn't.
"In a world where people crash planes into buildings, One man just wanted to do a barrel roll"
And he DID! God rest his soul.
What a legend. I would like to sit down and have a beer with him
A legendary Man that will never be forgotten
I blame GTA 5
Say what? When did any crash into a building?!
the guy piloting clearly was so sad and he wanted to do something at least for one last time. A barrel roll.
May he find peace. R.I.P.
Amen
You know having a few 'screws-loose' myself but not nearly as much as he may have had my heart goes out to him and wishes him God-speed...and strangely even some respect.
Just what I was thinking.
I agree. Someone will say not to romance the guy but its just plain sad. He says "low fuel. Well I better stop looking at that" That logic clearly shows how far he had fallen. His solution to the low fuel was to stop looking at the gauge
Interesting thought. Never heard that one before.
" I'm just a broken guy."
Which kind of says it all.
That statement alone is sad as hell, I can't imagine what his family and friends felt like afterward when hearing that he said this, in his time of need they were not there to help and comfort him, he was probably a really nice guy that,,,,, Just Broke. : (
@Jimo Yeah, it is a sad thing isn't it, I know too many like him, I seem to be drawn to people in need and the down and out ...it's a bit tiring but the reward is a good feeling if I can save them. ( which I do ). As I said I feel for the family, for they can not help if they do not know.
@@MrMambott Who gives a f****, this bastard could kill people on the ground.
that was their chance to hear him out and try to make him land that plane safely, imo he would've succed.
@@danijuggernaut yeah he could have hurt someone on the ground, but he didn't. He clearly states " i don't want to hurt any one else" and intentionally flew it into a wooded area when he could have easily chose a building. Clearly you weren't listening to him when he was talking in this video, similar to people in his life not listening to him when he needed help.
This is so sad. This guys sounds so broken and down. Its bitter sweet the way everyone tried so hard to help him get down and make comfortable. Sounds like he had the time of his life till the end.
He sounded so "normal" in the beginning, but then the sadness and hopelessness came through. I would have liked to have known more about him. If he had never flown before, amazing flying!
normal? what's your idea of normal? he sounded like a nut job from the beginning
@@rveeing802 😑
@@rveeing802 fuck off u prick
He sounded calm because he made his mind up that he was going to die that day. So sad but thank God he did not take anyone with him
"i would liked to have known more about him." No you wouldn't. You would be just another person that ignored him. Just like all those around him.
Imagine if he landed the plane? "What are you in for?" .... "Oh I stole an airliner and barrel rolled it"
hahaha
yeah
Sadly would probably attempt a lot of suicides in prison, then get sent to an isolation cell which would only slowly drive him further down into insanity.
@@juliezaremskiy3635 i mean why would he just get sent to an isolation cell? and im sure theyd have him on suicide watch but we all know how jeffery epsteins suicide watch went o.o
He would never have made the landing. he would have come in too fast even if he got lucky on his glide slope. he didn't understand the turbo prop power feathering.
For a non pilot, he did a hell of a job flying that thing.
Philip, he definitely suffered through depression, have some grace for the guy.
If only crazy people did rational things like seeking help..... wait no they do crazy things like steal airplanes.
Not really if you keep the wings straight and level it's like driving a car. He killed the brakes on takeoff because the pitch of the blades were not set for taxi.
Philip Pirie Fucking agree. I don't see why everyone is siding with this guy that stole a multi million dollar aircraft and destroyed it, while potentially endangering the people on the ground. Fuck him.
@@Mugen_YG No one is praising him. What they are doing is empathising. You have no clue what was happening in this young persons life. It's so easy to look back and say they should done this or that. Sad loss, I just hope there is somewhere after and he is happier their. I feel for his family that will wonder all the 'what ifs' for the rest of their lives.
RIP Sky King. I come back here to watch your videos all the time. You give me a lot of hope that there are still great people left in this world, but it makes me sad to know that you’re gone. I get satisfaction in knowing that you went away on your own terms and had a blast while doing it. I can very much relate with the “broken guy” mentality and I’m sure many around the world do too. I wish I had a fraction of the fortitude that you did. I hope that you’re in a better place now and I wish you and your family peace
This incident truly changed the way I live my life as an aviation student. There are lots of people out there like Rich wanting to become pilots, but never had the privilege or time anymore to do that. I feel like I must live every second of career to its fullest, when I have all the time and resources provided to achieve this dream.
Don't underestimate the hard work you are doing all by yourself though. Lots of people have things handed to them and waste the opportunities.
You will do well with that attitude. Keep pushing!
Had that dream since I was a kid, played all kinds of simulators. And flying schools weren't that common. Still aren't. Oh well, life goes on as long as you find something else to pursue!
nope, I'm just too poor to attend any av school :'( FML
Be awesome, Sun!!
His statement "" I'm just a broken guy""" alone is terribly sad, I can't imagine what his family and friends felt like afterward when hearing that he said this, in his time of need they were not there to help and comfort him, he was probably a really nice guy that all of a sudden,,,,, Just Broke. : (
@Han Lockhart Living with a person who has mental illness (depression or bipolar disorder) is a tough road to walk. I think you do his friends and family a disservice to judge them. All the listening in the world does not help the person feel better, sleep at night and wake with a sense of optimism and equilibrium. Encouragement is blown off because they "just don't understand" and "they keep saying the same stuff" so people with mental illness shut down. I've walked that road. Be kind, will you?
Unfortunately a statement that resonates with all to many.
Dude you cant say that on the behalf of his family, you or we really don't know this situation..... God bless all of us!
the thought that anyone can help someone who has decided they are broken is a fallacy.
The Olympics is a mountain range. He was talking about mountains not male athletes.
Should of tried telling him there was a child's medication left on board. He seemed like a decent bloke and would have tried to bring it back.
Rip you mad lad.
"Have" is spelled "have", not "of". ffs
Jus awkwardly walked in on a spelling test ... I’m gonna sneak back out peace ✌️
@@Baerchenization Good Grammar = likely University debt + no life skills
Common sense = Average grammar + no debt and a good trade.
@@martypello7870 But that's only the way you like to view it, not a fact, right ;) Also, it puts common sense in a bad light, if you go out on a limb like that from your armchair.
@@Baerchenization are you still trying? 😂
Living in the region, I remember hearing this from my parents, absolutly so crazy that this dude seemed so happy. I honestly think that this is one of the most crazy flights ever. He was doing stunts in a turboprop airliner when he only had experience flying in simulators, rest in peace Beebo.
As a mental health worker you can hear that suicide was his intention from the start. His ignoring the pilots orders for a safe landing and such. He had no plan for a safe landing. He wanted to die doing something he watched others do...fly a plane. R.I.P.
It doesn't take a mental health worker to figure that out. Lol
I agree with you. Rich was simply done with living. How very sad.
@@travisjames5 LOL Straight up
As a stair builder, I can tell you that when a person puts one foot up and puts it on the first step of a staircase, they are trying to go up. Dude seriously?
Thanks for breaking it down. I was having a hard time deciphering the hidden meaning behind this.
This actually made me cry. So so sad. He knew exactly what he was doing, he did not sound crazy. Decided for whatever reason he was not strong enough to live in this world anymore. He could have taken out a lot of people if he wanted to.
Who knows what he was going home to each night. Yes this guy was not insane by any stretch. I'm no psych but it is based only on his communications in those moments. He sounded like a guy that just didn't give a damn if he lived another minute. Sometimes the people around you every day might make you feel like you need to take an airplane into the air with no experience on how to fly nor land. Who knows in his case.
you are assuming, i dont know what you heard by i heard a cry for help, but instead of getting help he choose to die, thankful he didnt take others with him, but when i finished watching i cried, because i hate flying wont get on a plane but thought to myslef wow now that's the way to do it instant death, most likely no pain, my choice to date is train, but others may get hurt in the mess, and when i go i dont want it to hurt others, and i have had that thought for yrs, doctors know police know and crisis knows but this guy maybe didnt realize his depression was there until he got on that plane, when people break down it isnt always screaming or crying or not getting out of bed, some snap with out knowing why they feel the way they do, and those are really the dangerous ones, he took a plane, others take guns or drive into traffic and take out many
Completely agree. The guy was highly motivated, confident, able to experience both empathy for others and enjoyment for himself. There's a difference between misery and depression. Depression is learned helplessness, a depressed person stops seeing potential opportunities as they "learn" that the opportunities are false, and attempting to follow them leads to disappointment, and the inability to make desired improvements... like, if you believe that ultimately, people won't care about you, then you no longer think that meeting new people might cheer you up, so you stop seeing opportunities that may lead to making new friends, you become blind to them even being a thing to choose. If, on the other hand, you have a life that consistently denies you opportunities that simply constantly feel just out of reach, and you don't feel helpless, you feel unhelped, where you do still want things, but through financial constraints or something, have no path to the things you could want, then it's not a medical condition to be sad, it's not irrational to not want something that isn't very nice, and as life continues to get worse for more and more people, it shouldn't be a surprise to see more and more people not want it. It's not life that's precious, what's precious is a life that's worth living, it's wrong to keep denying people everything worth having just to keep giving it all to shareholders and CEOs who can't even appreciate it, but believe other people don't deserve it. The guy was 28, he should have had options available for less than the cost of his life. I do hope we stop allowing this to be done to each other.
To think his last and most desired wish was nothing more than to pass over and see the mountains from a pilot's seat. A tribute to the wonders of aviation and the beauty of nature.
Why didn't he steal a car.. or a bike?
Richard Russell is the Everyman.
"Hey, if I land this thing, I could get a job piloting?*
Sure, you could get any job you want."
You left out Rich's response.
:-!
What he did say, he was spot on.
His life sucked, and he took control of the only thing he could. His death.
God bless, Sky King...
he said: "nah, I'm white" and then something that's cut from all recordings i can find on youtube
Lord Orange it’s still on UA-cam
You can hear it on some UA-cam vids, he did say nah I’m white, alluding to positive racism I think. At least he got to go in style
Why are you saying God Bless to someone who wanted to commit suicide?
he was at a dead end job, a shit job, making minimum wage, with no path forward or upwards. For the first time since was a kid he was free... and then you're right, he took control of the only thing he could.
"I'm just gonna do this barrel roll real quick" legends never die
For a few moments, he was the happiest guy in the World
Okaaaay.
Nah, I think the happiest guy in the world is someone who wins mega millions or powerball
...so happy he committed suicide
Maybe just not sad.
Hmmm true 😣
"I'm going to do a barrel roll and if it goes well, I'll nose down and call it a night."
He was ready to die... More accurately, he was ready as soon as he got into the plane and took off...
"I wasn't really planning on landing"
Imagine... he ends up crashing into the control tower that was talking to him
@@vosswatter thats the most beautiful thing, he made sure he didn't kill anyone in his crash.
Is it possible that he'd recently been diagnosed as terminally ill?
Heartbreaking
@@vosswatter LMAO like the movie independence day " HIGH BOYS, I'm BAAAACK"
I remember hearing this on the news as it happened and everyone stepping out of the building at work to look up. We were actually able to spot it for just a second way out in the distance. One hell of a way to go, and at least it was on his own terms. Just shows how well adjusted someone can seem while feeling so horrible in their own mind. Rest easy Richard.
For those of you that think Rich is cool or a legend or whatever; you are all assholes.
He stole a plane and crashed it.
He could have killed people on the ground.
@@samsnead7 he crashed it on an island, he didnt want to hurt anyone, just himself
@@belgianfried oh it didn't hurt anyone? Try telling that to his mother and family you sack of s@@@
@@samsnead7 have you ever been depressed?
@@belgianfried have you ever been an AHOLE?
These guys did a great job trying to help Richard. He had his
mind made up and was not going to accept any help. I’m glad he didn’t hurt anyone. Rip Richard
Beebo, went to high school with him in Alaska. What a unit! Incredible guy and family as well. May he rest in peace now that he is not suffering within.
He sounded like a cool guy. Huge bummer he felt the way he did. I understand his frustration regarding MONEY and WORK. Most of us normies work our lives away just to hopefully scrape by while rich people and politicians get richer. Godspeed Rich/Beebo/#Sky-King
Your friend was wise and saw what was coming, the rest of the country started going down not too long after Beebo.
They pretty much knew they were talking to a dead man. Sounded that way in their voices.
Nah, they knew they were talking to a man who they couldn't control
@ this
spalkin Definitely. He did say he was a broken man and had some screws loose.
Yea, it couldn't have looked favorable to the tower...
@D S ; You're right! But shooting at him doesn't make him vanish and he could still wander into populated areas. Maybe they thought the best way was to try to save the situation. I bet if he let them help him land and got some counseling, his life would've turned around. We'll never know. He sure went out in style.
you cut out the part where he says "im gonna do a barrel roll and if it goes well im going to nose down and call it a night"
yep i heard that on another video some time back....
its not left out its at 13:14
@@limeylit the part where he says im gonna nose down and call it a night has been removed....
And when he was told if he lands the plane he'll get any job at the airport to which he replied ' nah I'm white'.
@Alexandre Well, he DID say that though, has nothing to do with stirring up stuff. They cut that part out of this video for some reason.
Just getting those engines fired up is a huge task. That guy really did his homework on the flight sim
Barrell roll in a turboprop he had never flown before. What a legend
I did a barrel roll my first time in a glider. "Video game". Nah, he did a great barrel roll tho.
For those of you that think Rich is cool or a legend or whatever; you are all assholes.
He stole a plane and crashed it.
He could have killed people on the ground.
But he didn’t kill anyone on the ground. That’s the point. No one would respect this guy if he did. We would all be saying what an asshole he was if he crashed into a neighborhood.
End of the day, a relatable guy went on a airplane joyride and ended his life in style and hurt no one else. You’re calling people assholes for a hypothetical that never happened.
@@samsnead7 But he didn’t kill anyone on the ground. That’s the point. No one would respect this guy if he did. We would all be saying what an asshole he was if he crashed into a neighborhood.
End of the day, a relatable guy went on a airplane joyride and ended his life in style and hurt no one else. You’re calling people assholes for a hypothetical that never happened.
@@samsnead7 Nobody else was ever in danger.
"oh they probably got anti-aircraft" dude's been playing to much warthunder lol
@Phil McCrevice It's a commercial airport, last I checked they don't use surface to air weapons!
This is what happens when you don't have proper ventilation in basements.
even if they did they wouldn't shoot him down
Nah he didn't climb to max altitude then head on with another plane.
Evilmike42 yeah lol they wouldn’t shoot him down he isn’t a threat
If you could land it you’d be a hero
Translation: “If you land you’re going to jail for a long time!”
🤣😁👍🏾Exactly,, Respect to the air traffic controller for staying Cool as a Fan but they were trying to guide him in for a smooth landing straight to Prison for a long F”ing time and he understood that lol
Han Lockhart it’s bad on the airline really for leaving the keys in it! He should have never been able to start it and go fly had they secured it properly
Giada_De_Low_Rent_Tits it was supposed to be properly...fat fingers on small keys
@@jeyjones2887 more like a mental health facility and a fine and probation. Particularlily in Washington state.
@@thearmyflyer4905 There's no keys
When he mentionned disapointing his friends and family, they knew what they were dealing with. You can hear the resignation in their voices. Before that, they probably thought this man was some crazy gamer weeb wanting to crash the plane on innocent people. Much respect for this man, I'm glad he found his hapiness.
His dream of flying a real airplane came true at the last mins of his life. He must be a genius knowing how to fly an airplane by playing video games. If the guy could do a backflip in the air, he certainly could land safely if he wanted to. He was funny by asking if Alaska could give me a job. He was calm entire time, no panic even that was his first real time flying. Also I like how ATC and USAF folks were talking to him without blaming tone instead of nice and calm way. RIP!
The Majestic Q400 for Prepar3D can teach you how to fly this aircraft... and use the auotpilot... and land.
He must have played the flight simulator, his first time flying, and did a barrel roll very impressed I would give him pilot wings, he knew he was going to prison a long time if he landed it.
I thought he completely screwed the barrel roll because the plane actually dove to the sea, but you claim he succeeded ?
For those of you that think Rich is cool or a legend or whatever; you are all assholes.
He stole a plane and crashed it.
He could have killed people on the ground.
@@samsnead7 he made sure to not kill anyone but himself , you're a dumbass lmao
Beside the fact this is sad as shit is anybody else impressed that he landed a barrel roll?? Like wtf.
I've never flown a plane that class size but what he did was thought to be impossible. No jokes or memes, I remember senior pilots saying that maybe 1% of people with over 10,000 hours would be able to do this. He never even spent 10 minutes in a cockpit before this. To put it in context, it's like a 12 year old dunking on LeBron James. I'm convinced as I ever have that this was an act of God.
@@conskate maybe, wish the people on the radio had some cycology experience although they did do a good job.
@@conskate act of god? You serious? Why didn't he save Rich's life? What the fuck would he care if a barrel roll was pulled off. You people always crack me up.
No Name perhaps to give the poor guy another chance
Playing along so as not to irritate him into doing something more stupid
Heard the comms of this live. Poor guy, hearing him say he didn’t really know something was off with him until that moment was so sad.
I live across the Sound from Seattle and of course remember this when it happened. "Just a broken guy", that really hit me, you could tell he was a nice guy and didn't want to hurt anyone. R.I.P Rich.
My heart goes out to him. He describes himself and just a broken guy. It's sad he felt nobody was paying attention or caring for him.
He said himself at 11:54 that lots of people cared for him
Better, that not your only heart, but you go with him
Exactly
We pretend...but men are expendable.
13:11
Rich: Backflip?
ATC: *speechless*
For those of you who haven't seen it, I highly recommend searching the footage of this incident; it's here on UA-cam. This video doesn't quite capture how goddamn close to the water he got towards the end of that roll. It's insane.
RIP: Richard Russell.
Thanks for not taking anyone else with you, buddy.
less than 1,000 ft. from the water, correct?
To answer Dennis, yes, it was 980 ft.
Link to a video of it: ua-cam.com/video/HCtfYF3ITGE/v-deo.html
I wonder how strong that g force on that pitch up movement was.
He might have been one hell of a pilot for real if circumstances had been better for him. If he'd been able to afford the training and all. Not sure if the lack of that was one of the things bothering him, but one of his grandfathers, I believe, had been a pilot and Richard admired him a lot. Flying was certainly in his blood. He picked up so much from flight simulator games, it's hard to believe he never flew a real plane before. It's a shame he destroyed himself and destroyed a beautiful airplane, but he found a fairly uninhabited place to crash. Considerate of others' lives. Just like a real pilot. I hope in some parallel universe there's a Bebo who got to be one! RIP.
It’s so interesting how he was so calm knowing he will end his life soon damn that’s kinda scary
That's how it works with people planning on committing suicide. All their problems are solved and soon the pain will end. You see, suicidal people don't want to die. They just see no other way to end the pain.
You could hear the euphoria in his voice - because he knew that the pain was going to end.
It's called depression
If you’re ever in a situation where you are certain you’re going to die, you feel a very peculiar calmness come over you. I’ve nearly died 3 times. Once almost drown in a turbulent river, once in a car wreck, and once in an armed robbery. It felt the same each time. You have thoughts about how your loved ones will react to the news of your death, you get an extremely rapid flood of memories (some people call this life flashing before their eyes) and then you kind of resign yourself to knowing this is how you die and how you never thought it would be this way. It’s not a panicked feeling at all, much the opposite. A warm rush of memories and calmness, and gratitude for having ever lived at all.
Nick I’m sorry you have had to go through that, but it is kind of crazy how that could be
@@forty_onkick So true.
What he was really apologizing for, was the fact that he is leaving behind his loved ones in the way that he did or should I say, had to! This is shattering in every aspect of being human. It doesn't leave a single space in a human that doesn't feel heartbroken, devastated, in loss for words for expression! I mean.....
He wasn't a bad man just broke inside a trouble he could not deal with.
RIP friend at least you went happy
Not a bad man? Maybe if we are talking about some mentally challenged individual. He wasn't. You don't get a free pass to possible kill dozens just because "trouble he could not deal with". What bullshít. Next time some other deluded imbecile like this guy will cause millions of dollars in damages or kill many just because everyone treats him like a freaking child all the freaking time.
@Frank Parrish sometimes, people says shit and you are one of them !
@@crazy3d if that moron collided with a plane carrying his family, he wouldn't be so forgiving.
@@crazy3d climate change we have all played our part? ua-cam.com/video/LJ5ASrORkXM/v-deo.html
He went happier than 99% of us will go
It really bothers me how many recordings floating on this incident he said exactly why he did it and its always cut out. Crap pay and no chance of becoming a pilot.
And descrimination for being White in an affirmative action world
@@spencer5028 found the right wing weeb
@@thelarry383 that’s what Rich said though?
@@HLProGamer Yeah, something like: Oh come onnnnn, I'm a white male! No way they're gonna hire me! ... Sometimes uncut audio gets posted over at 4chan's /pol/ board.
There’s a lot edited out, even the part about calling it a night.
I didn't know what to expect in the comments but it's so nice to see all the respect and love for Rich. Brought me to tears. Listening to Rich, ATC and the F-15 pilots on this and some of the other videos gives me inspiration when I feel down sometimes as everyone is compassionate and understanding of Rich's plight. Even hearing the respect from the F-15 pilot after the Barrel Roll gets me. This event, without doubt, profoundly affected everyone involved that day and we will never forget you Rich.
God Bless everyone involved and God Bless the USAF pilots for letting Rich leave us on his own terms and, thank you for your service.
Rest in Peace mighty Sky King. May you be a beacon of light for anyone suffering from depression or hopelessness.
Peace everyone.
P.S. @TheFlightChannel, great video. You just gained a new subscriber.
Kevin Lee - Respect and love? Not from me. He was a nut who put other people at risk. And he stole and destroyed the property of his employer.
Rich was #1 moron, you Kev are #2
2 THINGS. Knowing the story in advance, the takeoff absolutely gives chills. 2nd, a real shame, the guy sounds like a real decent sort. Be a good neighbor, or buddy to have a beer with.
Sky King - gone, but not forgotten. Such a sad story, we all have our problems. One man decided to just fly a plane. What sets him apart is how kind, and honest he was. He knew he would die. He planned it, trying not to injure any civilians. Live long Sky King.
Well put
and no civilians were on board right? just him? how incredibly sad.
@I'm an idiot but , well your username fits you well.
If you lived in a gated pampered life, you wouldn't understand.
If you lived in a life that expected too much of you, gotten ass fucked by people and society for being kind, and being a man, only then you would understand.
Stop being a simp soiboy.
@I'm an idiot but , I thought it was the planes name? lmao maybe "Im an idiot.."
Bitch ! How the hell he could be a skyking. A bloody looser who hijacked a plane and crashing into somewhere . Is that a work to be appreciated ? Fuck off
Is this the way to solve personal problems . What a lose to that airline and all the costs. Bloody looser.
They cut out the best line which was when the guy on the radio asked him how fast he’s going and Rich says, “minimum wage”.
Godspeed Rich.
Facts
thats too much for me ngl im in literal tears
I love this man, If I ever get pulled over and they ask me why I was speeding, Im using this.
So very sad , rest in peace Rich
and he says no i am white when they say he can become anything when landing succesfuly
That is seriously one hell of a suicide.
He stole a plane - successfully took off - flew over to see the Olympics - was chill the whole time and then did the ultimate finale by barrell rolling the plane before sadly - ending is own life.
Dammnnnnn!
He even went out of his way to make sure that nobody else would die. He didn't want to cause any collateral damage.
@@mach6893 But let's face it, there's no guarantee you won't kill others when you crash a plane. I accept he didn't set out to kill anybody but himself, but causing the deaths of others could easily have been the end result. Very sad.
@@glamdolly30 Yet he didnt... Because he crashed into the trees of a forest
@@TimeMasterOG Bottom line is he knew when he enacted his audacious suicide plan, crashing a commercial aircraft could endanger lives on the ground (as could attempting to land it successfully).
Quit nit-picking - this is not a little light aircraft we're talking about, it was freaking HUGE and he was not a pilot. He should have gone somewhere quiet and hanged himself or taken pills, like every other unselfish suicidal person.
@@TimeMasterOGThere could have been a guy sitting in the tree not on the radio channel, unbeknown to all. What about Bambi? Bambi runs around the forest, and so does Brother Bear and Rutt and Tuke the mooses!
At some point, I think they realized how this was going to end despite their best efforts to talk him down. He was quite talented and an affable guy. All suicides are sad but this one really sticks in my craw because you could get into his head in his final moments. Very sad.
Ngl this one was a tear jerker. In a way I understand his broken state. I dont know if I'd ever take my life or even attempt such a stunt, but the feeling of freedom and euphoria he must have felt flying that plane was probably something he had never experienced. God speed rich.
Did they ever interview the ATC Andrew? He really wanted to help him. Even when it may be more dangerous he didn’t give up hope that he could help him land.
The guy probably has PTSD and beats himself up over this. But, Andrew, you did your absolute best, and that's important. Jesus sees that and loves you!
That fuel count going down was showing how much life he had left. RIP man.
Yep kept thinking that when heard how much it was bothering him - bummer
Rich, you got your wings that day.
We all have screws loose, you’re a hero to all of us. Keep on flying, buddy. ✈️ ☁️
Well, it is sad that he kill himself but flying the plane before that was prob. the best experience of his life
you can pay 125 bucks and fly, he didn't need to go that route clearly he was gifted not many could do what he did with no experience.
True but fly as a pilot, not a passenger... makes a difference
He had no consideration for anyone else on the ground he could of killed hundreds!he could of caused a twin tower!he is NT a broken man a stupid guy with depression!
_that was prob. the best experience of his life_
It was certainly his last...
@@jameswalker3073 clearly he did as he crashed into an area that was almost completely uninhabited. And you clearly don't know what depression is talking like that.
"In times of war and angriness, one guy just wanted to do some barrel rolls"
- a guy that comment it and I can't remember his name
Rest in peace, Skyking, we all understand you, mate
Truth is stranger than fiction. This one leaves me speechless.
Qanon left a lot of bread crumbs about this before it happened. Too many coincidences for this not to have been a military operation.
Crypto Jack we still talking about QAnon? Leave the conspiracies theories to other channels.
@@felixcat9455 Don't worry about whether or not there is a conspiracy. If you're not in a conspiracy, than you need to start one. Catherine Austin Fitts.
Crypto Jack well maybe I should. Everyone is doing. It’s the thing to do these days. The internet makes it really easy for conspiracies to spread like wildfire.
Wasn’t it convenient that the only section of the plane visible after the “crash” had the tail number on it? So the Feds were given Carte Blanche to go in and search EVERYTHING on this private, residential island.
Rich was amazing. He embodied the American spirit of going after a goal and achieving it, rather than waiting on bureaucrats to give him permission to achieve.
I live about 15 minutes from where this happened. I could see his plane for a few minutes and could hear the crash. Was really sad to find out about his story later on. In one hour, he got to achieve a lifetime's worth of dreams. Rest in paradise Rich.
god bless you!
@@Pillager100 God bless you too!
Did you also see the cocky pilot that said hes the only pilot that could do this,I assume he also saw him in his youth,same area.
I was living in Seattle when this happened. Seatac gets some weird shit. D.B. Cooper, bird strike with an Eagle, Captain Rich Role, landing on the taxiway.
@@jillsmcfarland2001 I'm not sure. I don't remember ever seeing any other low flying planes near where I live, unless you count the fighter jets following this guy. Sorry, but I don't know.
Give the ATC guy & Pilot their retirement package throw in a holiday to celebrate their efforts of being calm AF in the mist of catastrophe & let them live the rest of their life in peace, stress free...my god
They were so good with him, so calm and friendly and reassuring.
Rich sounded elated at first but you could hear it in his voice as he flew further and further, he'd done what he'd wanted to and while sad he was at peace with his end.
Definitely a lump in the throat moment. Rest easy, Richard.
It's more like this... "Hey, nice job. Now go pee in this cup."
Nice to see feminine energy prevalent.
That epic barrel roll is legendary and most seasoned pilots couldn’t pull it off. Only achieved by THE Sky King.
So you know a lot of seasoned pilots, do you?
You barbeque on the weekends with Top Gun graduates?
The only "seasoned pilots" you know come from DCS.
Complete bullshit. A barrel roll is quite an easy manoeuvre
A barrel roll on a large plane isn’t that easy to pull off, matter of fact, 90% chance you will crash.
@@gusto4106 Nope. Wartime Avro Lancaster test pilots did it too
@@pascalchauvet7625
man, if only i could have hugged this guy. he seems super nice!
Rest in peace, Rich. Props to the Air Force and ATC for acting the way they did.
There's real footage of this and to be fair the roll he did was incredible.
link?
Lucas Peng ua-cam.com/video/LeYVtVg6aGs/v-deo.html
@@NeilSharks thx
Yeah I saw that and thought how the f*#k did he manage to come back from that when I've watched several of these videos where even trained pilots can't recover from
@@JW-lo2wh If he'd survive he'd probably got the job after being released from prison. Mad flying skills !
This one always makes me feel such sadness... Sadness for the young man who felt he had no other option than to kill himself in one last "blaze of glory". All suicides make me feel this way, but this one even moreso.
Good for showing your empathy, Sherri.
That conversation was so heavy and sad. Even though guys wasn’t crying or screaming, it still was more horrifying then any horror movie, because it was real. I have depression off and on and I can’t even imagine what was going through thats guys head during that flight. Flight controller and a pilot did a great job trying to salvage the situation.
Man it got deep. Just imagine what the loved ones have thought when they listen to that conversation...
After reading numerous comments, what I find most comforting is that people are not criticizing what he did, but empathizing with the pain he was struggling with. Rest in peace my man - one final barrel roll, then no more pain. See you on the other side Sky King.
Thanks buddy.
So sad. He was thoughtful in apologizing to his family for his actions.
If only there were an alternate ending where Rich lands the plane safely, feel for the chap. ATC were spot on, just a sad outcome. rip
He would've most probably got a few decades in prison.
@@KepleroGT He'd have got prison long enough for the general public to forget his existence, and probably could've ended up being recruited by the armed forces.
but if he landed safely, FBI would have thrown a big net over him and hauled him off to some padded room. Who wants to live in that disgrace? I feel for the guy, and he took the only sensible route.
Good story Flight Channel. I’ve seen so many stories covered (most further in depth than this). Rich had been working for the airline as a grounds crewmen. He would hook up the tow unit and affix the arm to the front landing gear and could maneuver, park, these grounded aircraft. Rich was a well liked employee by all of the employees (including the pilots of the airline). He would often sit up in the cockpit and watch the pilots go thru their grounded preflight checklists and even ask questions about the basics and of how to start each engine. The day of the flight rich had hooked the plane up to his tow vehicle and move it towards the runway. Once the he had the plane in proximity to runway, rich unhooked the tower, moved it out of the path and calmly climbed into the cockpit. Once he was in the cockpit he went thru the preflight checklists and started the engines. This was all captured by the CCTV footage. It also revealed just how many employees never noticed and some did but didn’t think anything of it. What’s remarkable is this young man actually started up an airliner and new his way around the cockpit to have the ability to get the big cargo plane in the air. Without any formal training whatsoever. If only this young man could see how remarkable and talented he was… not only the takeoff but putting this long fuselaged Archaic plane into a full blown barrel role would leave any Blue Angel pilot in awe. RIP, SkyKing