Off-Duty Pilot Arrested for Attempting to Seize Control of Alaska Airlines Flight
On Sunday, an off-duty pilot riding as a passenger in the cockpit of an Alaska Airlines flight tried to seize control of the plane during a flight from Seattle to San Francisco. The incident was confirmed by the airline and a source familiar with the matter.
According to a pilot assigned to the flight, the person riding in the cockpit attempted to turn off the aircraft’s engines in mid-flight. It is common for pilots to ride in the cockpit “jump seat” when traveling officially or commuting to other airports.
The suspect, identified as 44-year-old Joseph Emerson, has been arrested by the Port of Portland Police Department. He is now facing 83 felony counts of attempted murder, 83 counts of reckless endangerment, and one count of endangering an aircraft. Online booking records show the charges against him.
Emerson is an off-duty pilot, though it remains unknown which airline he works for. The Alaska Airlines flight, with Emerson onboard, took off from Seattle Paine Field International Airport. However, due to the “credible security threat,” the plane was diverted to Portland International Airport.
Fortunately, the pilot was able to relay information to the air traffic controllers, stating that Emerson had been subdued and was not causing any issues. The crew of the Alaska Airlines flight reported a credible security threat related to an authorized occupant in the flight deck jump seat.
Alaska Airlines released a statement saying that they followed appropriate FAA procedures and guidance from air traffic control to ensure the flight’s safety. The flight was operated by Horizon Air, a regional carrier owned by Alaska Airlines. The incident is currently under investigation by law enforcement authorities.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is also aware of the incident and is supporting the local law enforcement investigation. CNN has reached out to both local and federal authorities for further information.
This attempted hijacking highlights the importance of maintaining top-notch security measures in the aviation industry. It serves as a reminder that constant vigilance is crucial to ensuring the safety of passengers and crew members.