An hour into an Alaska Airlines flight from Everett, Washington, heading to San Francisco, an off-duty pilot allegedly attempted to shut down the plane’s engines mid-flight.
An off-duty pilot was subdued by flight crew after allegedly attempting to shut down an airplane's engine mid-flight.
Alaska Airlines flight 2059 took off from Everett, Washington, heading to San Francisco, California, and one hour into the flight, crisis erupted.
The off-duty pilot was occupying the jump seat in the cockpit, a routine privilege given to pilots so they can commute home or get somewhere for personal travel. From his position in the cockpit, the off-duty pilot allegedly tried to shut off the engines. The plane diverted to Portland for an emergency landing.
“He doesn’t sound like he’s causing any issue in the back right now. I think he’s subdued. We’ll want law enforcement as soon as we get on the ground and park,” the pilot told Air Traffic Control.
The off-duty pilot has been identified as 44-year-old Joseph David Emerson. He was charged with 83 counts of attempted murder, one for every person onboard the flight.
“The Captain and First Officer quickly responded, engine power was not lost and the crew secured the aircraft without incident,” Alaska Airlines says.
