SKYKING Documentary about Richard Russell Now Streaming on Hulu

A captivating new documentary on Hulu is shedding light on a shocking event that unfolded at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport back in 2018. The documentary, “#SKYKING: Panic in the Sky,” revisits the story of Richard “Beebo” Russell, a Horizon Air employee who stole an empty turboprop plane and flew it over Puget Sound for 70 minutes before crashing on Ketron Island.

Richard Russell, a 28-year-old ground service agent for Horizon Air, had worked for the airline since 2015. Despite being authorized to be in secure areas near aircraft, he was not a licensed pilot and had no flight experience. Described by friends as warm, friendly, and funny, Russell was known as “Beebo” to those who knew him.

The theft of the Horizon Air Q400 turboprop plane occurred on August 10, 2018, when Russell took off from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and performed aerobatic maneuvers over Puget Sound before crashing on Ketron Island. Witnesses reported seeing the plane flying upside down as Russell attempted daring maneuvers. During his flight, Russell communicated with air traffic controllers, expressing regrets and apologizing to his loved ones.

Following the incident, the FBI released a detailed report that highlighted concerns raised by friends and family about Russell’s mental state leading up to the flight. Investigators found a notebook in Russell’s work locker containing reflections on various topics, including a note expressing his desire to create something profound.

The documentary, “#SKYKING: Panic in the Sky,” premiered on Hulu on April 14, offering never-before-heard audio and interviews with Russell’s family. It aims to explore the broader issue of mental health in the United States through the lens of this tragic event.

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