During an Alaska Airlines flight en route to San Francisco, an off-duty pilot who was a passenger in the cockpit attempted to “disrupt the operation of the engines.” This unsettling incident led to the flight being diverted to Portland, Oregon, as reported by the airline in a statement on Monday.
Law enforcement identified the suspect as Joseph D. Emerson, 44. Flight crew members managed to subdue him, and he was subsequently taken into custody by the Port of Portland police officers, according to a separate statement released by the port.
Online booking records indicate that Emerson is facing a series of serious charges, including 83 felony counts of attempted murder, 83 counts of reckless endangerment, and one count of endangering an aircraft. These charges reflect the gravity of the incident and its potential impact on the safety of passengers and the aircraft.
Flight 2059, operated by Horizon Air, took off from Paine Field Airport in Everett, Washington, and then reported a “credible security threat related to an off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot who was traveling in the flight deck jump seat,” as stated by Alaska Airlines.
The off-duty pilot, who was traveling in the flight deck jump seat, reportedly attempted to shut down both engines by pulling the Embraer 175’s engine fire extinguisher handles. Fortunately, the quick response of the captain and first officer prevented the engines from failing completely. Alaska Airlines explained that the fire suppression system involves a T-handle for each engine, which, when pulled, closes a valve in the wing to cut off fuel to the engine. Despite some residual fuel remaining in the line after the handles are pulled, the crew’s swift action to reset the handles restored fuel flow and averted fuel starvation.
The incident occurred while the plane was at cruise altitude, according to Capt. Mike Karn, senior manager of flight security for American Airlines, as mentioned in a memo circulated at his airline. This memo also discussed the alleged attempt to cut engine power. During an Alaska
Audio recorded by LiveATC.net captured one of the pilots on the flight informing air traffic controllers that the suspect had “tried to shut the engines down.” The pilot also mentioned that the individual had been subdued and requested law enforcement upon landing.
Alaska Airlines diverted the flight to Portland International Airport, and while the airline did not disclose the suspect’s name, it confirmed that the “jump seat occupant” was in custody and under investigation by the FBI and the Port of Portland.