Richard “Beebo” Russell knew the ins and outs of SEA-TAC airport—after all, he was ground crew. He knew the hierarchy, that the pilots frequently made dismissive remarks about the “ramp rats.” The hours were long and the pay meager, but Beebo was a glass-half-full guy. He had a family that loved him, a wife he loved, and a real desire to live life to its fullest.
#SKYKING
What’s it rated? Not rated
When? 2026
Where’s it showing? Hulu
No one knew what Beebo was struggling with when it came to mental health, and one day, he wheeled out a plane and took off. Not some little personal plane, this was a Horizon Airlines passenger plane—and he was taking it for a joyride.
Built through interviews with Russell’s family as well as the air traffic controllers who were on the job that day, this tragically epic journey of one man, one plane, and one utterly impossible barrel roll is both fascinating and crushing.
Once in the air, Beebo knows there’s no coming down without repercussions, so he stays in the air a little longer. When you get to know him through the lens of those who loved him, you see that he’s much more than a meme. (91 min.). ∆
This article appears in May 21-28, 2026.
