How 2018’s Q400 Tragedy Changed the CFI Perspective

The anniversary of the intentional crash serves as a reminder to one CFI to keep her guard up.

Meg Godlewski

Wednesday, August 10, 2022 at 03:25 PM ET

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A Horizon Air Bombardier Q400 [Credit: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

The 2018 theft and intentional crash of a Q400 by an airport ground agent highlighted critical vulnerabilities regarding insider threats and aircraft security in general aviation.
The incident prompted flight instructors (CFIs) to discuss cockpit security and self-defense, emphasizing the need for robust security measures beyond physical deterrence.
Mandatory TSA General Aviation Security Awareness training equips flight school personnel to identify and report suspicious behaviors, such as those involving fake IDs, large cash payments, or unusual flight requests.
The author's experience successfully using this training to identify and report two individuals later linked to an extremist group demonstrates the vital importance of vigilance and proper security protocols.

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On August 10, 2018, 29-year-old Richard Russell, a Horizon Air ground service agent with no pilot experience, stole a Bombardier Q400 from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (KSEA) and went on a 75-minute joy ride. You may have seen the video of the Q400 doing loops and barrel rolls over the Puget Sound. The joy ride ended with an intentional crash on Ketron Island, a 221-acre heavily wooded and fortunately, sparsely populated location west of the town of Steilacoom, Washington.

Russell was the only fatality in the crash and there was no damage to homes from the fire that followed.