My plan was to land in Red Square, but there were too many people and I thought I'd cause casualties. Mathias Rust casualtylandpeople Change image and share on social
I approached Red Square three times, trying to find somewhere to land, before discovering a wide bridge nearby. I landed there and taxied into Red Square. Mathias Rust approachbridgediscover Change image and share on social
After that I couldn't show my face outside. I lost my identity and balance. I was still living with my parents, and they were my only friends. For so many people, this thing with the nurse was confirmation that I must be mad or mentally ill. Mathias Rust balanceconfirmationface share on social
I didn't tell anybody about my plan because I was convinced my family or friends would stop me. I didn't think much about what would happen afterwards. Mathias Rust convincefamilyfriend Change image and share on social
I had one companion. He was a teacher from the Ukraine who spoke English so we could communicate a bit. I learnt a few Russian words, but it was hard to concentrate. Mathias Rust bitecommunicatecompanion Change image and share on social
I now work for a finance company in Luxembourg with projects in South America and the Caribbean. Mathias Rust americacaribbeancompany Change image and share on social
I wanted to choose somewhere public, because I was scared of the KGB. Mathias Rust choosekgbpublic Change image and share on social
Imprisonment hit me so hard - much harder than I had thought. Mathias Rust hardhitimprisonment Change image and share on social
I don't have my pilot's licence anymore, but I'm still very political. Mathias Rust anymorelicencepilot Change image and share on social
I moved away for three years and went to Trinidad where I met my wife, Athena. Mathias Rust athenameetmove Change image and share on social
