In a shocking incident, an off-duty pilot from Alaska Airlines seated in a foldable seat in the cockpit of a US commercial flight has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly attempting to shut down the plane’s engines mid-flight. The Horizon Air Embraer E-175 was en route from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco when the incident occurred on Sunday, as reported by Alaska Airlines, Horizon’s parent company.
The plane, carrying 80 passengers, was diverted to Portland, Oregon, where it safely landed. Alaska Airlines stated that Horizon Air pilots reported a “credible security threat related to an off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot traveling in the foldable seat in the cockpit. The occupant of the foldable seat unsuccessfully attempted to disrupt the engine operation.”
A quick response by the captain and first officer of Horizon Air prevented any engine power loss, and the crew secured the aircraft without further incident.
While the airline did not disclose the pilot’s identity, 44-year-old Joseph Emerson was charged on Monday by the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office in Portland with 83 counts of attempted murder, reckless endangerment, and endangering an aircraft.
Many airlines routinely allow off-duty pilots to occupy the foldable seat in the cockpit situated behind the pilots. The incident is under investigation, with the US Federal Aviation Administration providing support to the ongoing police inquiries, highlighting the seriousness of the situation and the collaborative efforts to ensure aviation safety.