*“#SKYKING” is an upcoming feature-length documentary thriller that tells the true story of Richard “Beebo” Russell, a Horizon Air ground service agent with no formal flight experience, who stole a plane from the airport where he worked. During the flight, Russell engaged in conversations with air traffic controllers, sharing moments of humor and reflection before ultimately crashing the aircraft intentionally.
Directed by Emmy-winner Patricia E. Gillespie (“The Fire That Took Her”), the film follows the shocking events of August 10, 2018, when 28-year-old Russell took control of a $33 million Q400 aircraft from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. He had never trained as a pilot, yet he spent over an hour and fifteen minutes flying over Tacoma, Mount Rainier, and the Olympic Mountains—a journey both terrifying and awe-inspiring.
“Oh hell yeah, it’s a blast man. I’ve played video games before so, uh, I know what I’m doing a little bit,” he told controllers when asked if he was comfortable piloting the plane. At another point, he admitted, “I’ve got a lot of people that care about me. And uh, it’s going to disappoint them to hear that I did this. I would like to apologize to each and every one of them. I’m just a broken guy, got a few screws loose, I guess. Never really knew it until now.”
The documentary incorporates never-before-heard ATC audio, capturing both the tension and humanity of Russell’s last flight. Colleen, the now-retired ATC supervisor who guided him through the ordeal, provides an exclusive interview, alongside Beebo’s childhood best friend Chris, and his coworker Andreas. These firsthand perspectives give insight into Russell’s life, his motivations, and the profound impact of mental health struggles.
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Ultimately, Russell made a crash landing in a remote area of Ketron Island, where he was the sole casualty. The FBI later confirmed that the final descent “appears to have been intentional” and ruled the incident a suicide, finding no connection to criminal or terrorist activity. His family has described him as “a faithful husband, loving son and a good friend” who never intended to harm anyone.
Produced by FIFTH SEASON and the newly formed nonscripted and documentary arm Quite Contrary Pictures for ABC News Studios, “#SKYKING” is directed and produced by Patricia E. Gillespie, with Christopher G. Cowen as producer. Mary Lisio serves as executive producer, Claire Weinraub is executive producer, and David Sloan is senior executive producer for ABC News Studios.
The documentary offers a powerful look at Russell’s story while shining a light on the U.S. mental health crisis, blending suspense, tragedy, and empathy into a single gripping narrative. “#SKYKING” will premiere April 14, on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+ for bundle subscribers in the U.S.
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