An off-duty pilot allegedly tried to shut off the engines on an Alaska Airlines plane while it was on its way to San Francisco, police said.
The plane on Flight 2059 was travelling from Everett, Washington, but had to be diverted to Portland, Oregon, after the incident.
Horizon Air, a subsidiary of Alaska Airlines, said the presence of a “credible threat” in the jump seat of the cockpit’s flight deck.
“The jump seat occupant unsuccessfully attempted to disrupt the operation of the engines,” read a statement from the airline. “The Horizon Captain and First Officer quickly responded, engine power was not lost and the crew secured the aircraft without incident.”
Audio of the pilot communicating with air traffic control was released.
“As a heads up. We’ve got the guy that tried to shut the engines down out of the cockpit. It doesn’t sound like he’s got any issue in the back right now. I think he’s subdued,” he said.
“Other than that we want law enforcement as soon as we get on the ground and parked,” he added.
All of the passengers were able to get on a later flight to San Francisco.
Port of Portland police arrested 44-year-old Joseph David Emerson after the plane landed at Portland International Airport. Emerson was charged with 83 counts of attempted murder, 83 counts of reckless endangerment, and one count of endangering an aircraft, according to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office.
A spokesperson for Alaska Air said Emerson had been hired by Horizon Air in 2001.
“We are grateful for the professional handling of the situation by the Horizon flight crew and appreciate our guests’ calm and patience throughout this event,” read a statement from Alaska Airlines.
Here’s a local news report about the incident:
Off-duty pilot charged with attempted murder for allegedly trying to crash Alaska Airlines flightwww.youtube.com
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