Airline worker stole plane, performed barrel roll before deadly crash - new documentary reveals final moments

Key Points:

• In August 2018, Richard Russell, a Horizon Air ground service agent, stole a Bombardier Q400 plane from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, flew it for over an hour while communicating with air traffic controllers, and then deliberately crashed on Ketron Island, resulting in his death by suicide.
• The new ABC News Studios documentary "#SKYKING" explores Russell's final flight using air traffic control audio and investigative records, revealing his struggles with employment frustrations, mental health, and feelings of failure despite appearing reliable and positive at work.
• Russell expressed remorse during the flight, apologizing to loved ones and indicating he did not want to hurt anyone, intentionally avoiding populated areas; officials highlighted the serious security risks exposed by the incident.
• The documentary and interviews with Russell's family and friends portray him as a deeply religious, goofy individual who felt societal and economic pressures, with his story often mischaracterized online amid politicized and extremist interpretations.
• Authorities found no evidence Russell planned the theft beforehand beyond flight simulator searches, and his death was ruled a suicide; his family hopes his story will raise awareness about mental health and prevent similar tragedies.