24-10-2023 (WAHSINGTON) An off-duty pilot is facing 83 counts of attempted murder after allegedly attempting to shut off the engines on an Alaska Airlines flight. Joseph David Emerson was taken into custody following the incident, which led to the diversion of the flight to Portland.
The flight, scheduled to travel from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco, was diverted on Sunday night due to a “credible security threat related to an authorized occupant in the flight deck jump seat,” according to officials. The airline confirmed that the off-duty pilot had allegedly pulled the fire extinguisher handles on the engines in an attempt to disrupt the operation of the aircraft.
Preliminary information obtained by investigators suggested that the suspect had targeted the fire extinguisher handles, as revealed by a federal official familiar with the probe. However, the flight crew managed to overpower and restrain the suspect, subsequently handcuffing him to a seat. The suspect, identified as Joseph David Emerson, was apprehended and taken into custody by the Port of Portland.
The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office has charged Emerson with 83 counts of attempted murder. Additionally, he faces 83 counts of reckless endangerment, a misdemeanor, and one felony count of endangering an aircraft.
Emerson, who was en route to San Francisco to serve as part of a 737 flight crew, had been occupying the flight deck jump seat, located in the cockpit. Alaska Airlines stated that the off-duty pilot had made an unsuccessful attempt to disrupt the engine operation. Fortunately, the captain and first officer swiftly responded, ensuring that the aircraft maintained engine power and securing the safety of all passengers and crew members.
The Alaska Airlines flight carried 80 passengers and four crew members. Passengers onboard were initially unaware of the situation until a flight attendant made an announcement regarding an emergency, followed by another announcement regarding a medical emergency. One passenger reported hearing the flight attendant reassure the suspect, saying, “We’re going to be fine, it’s OK, we’ll get you off the plane.” This led some passengers to believe that a serious medical situation had occurred.
Upon landing, the police approached the back of the plane and escorted the handcuffed suspect off the aircraft. Witnesses noted that the individual appeared to be an airline employee, wearing a lanyard and a sweater.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a statement clarifying that the incident was unrelated to current world events. Law enforcement agencies are conducting an investigation into the incident, with the FBI confirming that there is no ongoing threat related to the event.
Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg expressed gratitude for the professionalism displayed by the flight crew and air traffic controllers in safely guiding the plane to Portland. The FAA pledged its support to law enforcement and stated that they would focus on any safety considerations that may arise from the investigations.
The Air Line Pilots Association, International, a pilots union, commended the pilots and crew for their actions in safely landing the aircraft. The union emphasized that the aviation profession undergoes rigorous vetting and scrutiny, with continuous evaluations and safety measures in place.
The incident has raised concerns about aviation security and the mental well-being of airline personnel. As the investigation unfolds, authorities will assess any necessary steps to enhance safety protocols and prevent similar incidents in the future.
In the wake of this alarming event, passengers and industry stakeholders will closely monitor the developments in aviation security measures to ensure the continued safety of air travel.
