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A Horizon Air employee intentionally crashed a stolen turboprop plane in August but it was no clear motive for his actions, federal investigators said Friday, bringing to a close a probe of an incident that prompted fresh scrutiny of airport security.
Richard Russell, a 28-year-old Horizon Air Ground Services worker, stole the empty plane on Aug. 10 at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport before crashing it on a sparsely inhabited island nearby. Mr. Russell died in the crash.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation said that it is a criminal offense in the field of criminal investigation, and that it must be investigated. Russell's background, possible stressors, and personal life, no element provided for Russell's actions, "the agency said in a two-page statement on Friday.
The FBI added that it found no co-conspirators and would not be pursuing federal charges in the case.
A representative for the Russell family could not be reached for comment.
A Horizon Air employee stole a plane turboprop from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on Friday night before it crashed on a nearby island. Photo: social media / Reuters (Originally published Aug. 11, 2018)
The incident has been reviewed. The Federal Transportation Security Administration, which is owned by the Alaska Air Group Inc., and the airport were in compliance with all security requirements. But the TSA said it is working with the industry and an advisory committee to examine ways to boost airport security.
The FBI said his investigation included interviews with fellow workers, friends, and related, Mr. Russell during the incident.
A review of the Horizon Q400's National Transportation Safety Board showed the "significant sideslip," during the final minutes of the flight, the FBI said, suggesting it was slipping through air sideways. "But the plane appeared to have remained in control and the" final descent to the ground has been intentional, "the FBI said.
In the flight 's final moments, Mr. Russell had time to raise the plane' s nose, climb and avoid impact with the ground, investigators said.
The plane's cockpit voice recorder did not capture any significant sounds beyond the air-traffic control communications that the FBI said. Mr. Russell did not make any phone calls while in the cockpit or otherwise say anything that addressed his motive.
An FBI spokeswoman said investigators found no suicide note.
Ryann Sale, an investigator at the Pierce County Medical Examiner's office in Washington, said Mr. Russell's death was ruled to suicide by "multiple traumatic injuries," but declined to comment further.
The FBI spokeswoman said the medical examiner's office performed fingerprint analysis to conclude that the remains belong to Mr. Russell. Mr. Russell was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, added: "There was insufficient material to facilitate a toxicology screening."
Until he stole the plane, Mr. Russell did not appear to violate any security measures, according to the FBI. Investigators also said Mr. Russell was properly credentialed and had access to the exterior and interior of aircraft as part of his job, which involved moving planes around the airport and using their power systems. Mr. Russell did not have any formal training, but the FBI said investigators learned Mr. Russell was familiar with a checklist of actions pilots.
Mr. Russell also played videos, but the FBI said investigators "did not uncover any conclusive evidence to suggest further, informal flight training."
Alaska Air said it appreciated the FBI's thorough investigation. Gary Beck, Horizon Executive Air Chief, said: "This incident was a very difficult moment for us and many others."
Write to Andrew Tangel at [email protected]
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