A startling incident unfolded aboard an Alaska Airlines flight traveling from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco, California.
The event occurred when the flight had 80 passengers on board and the suspect in question was sitting in the cockpit behind the captain and the first officer, according to an airline statement.
Alaska Airlines Exposes Off-Duty Pilot’s Disruption
The suspect was later identified as Joseph David Emerson, a 44-year-old individual. This concerning situation led to the diversion of the flight to Portland, Oregon, as the suspect was subdued without incident.
Alaska Airlines provided further details, revealing that the off-duty pilot had been traveling in the flight deck jump seat when he unsuccessfully attempted to disrupt the operation of the engines. Crew members aboard Alaska Airlines Flight 2059 swiftly reported the incident to air traffic control, who managed the situation efficiently.
In an audio recording of air traffic control communications, one of the pilots calmly reported, We’ve got the guy that tried to shut the engines down out of the cockpit, and he doesn’t sound like he’s causing any issue in the back right now. The pilot then requested police presence upon landing.
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Ongoing Investigation by Law Enforcement
The flight, operated by Horizon Air, was originally scheduled to depart at 17:25 local time and arrive in San Francisco at 19:30. However, the diversion led to a delayed departure from Portland, finally reaching its intended destination at 19:18.
Passengers aboard the flight were initially unaware of the situation, as the flight attendant announced the need for an immediate landing, citing a medical emergency.
One passenger reported hearing the flight attendant reassuring the suspect, saying, “We’re going to be fine, it’s OK, we’ll get you off the plane,” leading many to believe it was a medical issue.
Alaska Airlines later confirmed that all passengers were accommodated on a later flight. They expressed their gratitude for the professional handling of the situation by the Horizon flight crew and commended the passengers for their calm and patience throughout the event.
The incident is currently under investigation by the Port of Portland Police Department and the FBI. Both agencies have assured the public that there is no ongoing threat related to this incident.
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