Off-Duty Pilot Arrested for Allegedly Attempting to Shut Off Engines on Alaska Airlines Flight
In a shocking incident on an Alaska Airlines flight, an off-duty pilot has been taken into custody and charged with 83 counts of attempted murder. Joseph David Emerson allegedly attempted to shut off the engines on the flight, which was en route from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco but was diverted to Portland due to a “credible security threat” related to an authorized occupant in the flight deck jump seat.
Preliminary information suggests that Emerson tried to pull the fire extinguisher handles on the engines but was subdued by the flight crew. He was then handcuffed to a seat and charged with multiple serious offenses, including 83 counts of attempted murder, 83 counts of reckless endangerment, and one felony count of endangering an aircraft.
What makes this incident even more alarming is that Emerson was supposed to be part of the flight crew of a 737 to San Francisco. Alaska Airlines confirmed that the off-duty pilot unsuccessfully attempted to disrupt the engine operation, but the quick actions of the crew secured the aircraft without incident.
There were 80 passengers and four crew members on the flight, who initially believed there was a medical emergency onboard. However, they were soon informed of a disturbance in the cockpit. Once the plane landed in Portland, police escorted a handcuffed man off the plane, described by passengers as an airline employee having a mental breakdown.
In response to the incident, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) clarified that it is unrelated to current world events. The matter is currently under investigation by law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, who assured the public that there is no ongoing threat.
Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg praised the flight crew and air traffic controllers for their exceptional efforts in safely guiding the plane to Portland. The pilots’ union, Air Line Pilots Association, International, has also commended the pilots and crew for their quick thinking and bravery. They emphasized that the airline pilot profession undergoes extensive vetting and continuous evaluation for safety.
As news of this alarming incident spreads, it serves as a reminder of the crucial role played by flight crews and the importance of vigilant security measures to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew members aboard flights.
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