Posted on 10/24/2023 6:24:26 AM PDT by Twotone
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." Sign up for the Blaze newsletter
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.
You’re at least the SIXTH freeper to report this incident (and the search function is still working normally).
Off-Duty Alaska Pilot Who Tried to Bring Down Jetliner Had Taken Psychedelic Mushrooms
Joseph Emerson told an FBI agent that it was his first trip.
Also his last.
If my memory serves me correctly, he was depressed over going blind in the near future..
I searched on the title exactly as written & it came up as no match. I DILIGENTLY search before posting. Now if there are 6 DIFFERENT articles on the same event, well...I can’t help that.
Looks like he is a fun gi.
I just figured he changed his name.😋
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