Former Alaska Airlines Pilot’s Deliberate Engine Tampering Narrowly Averts Disaster for 80 Passengers

In a heart-stopping incident, a former pilot for Alaska Airlines stands accused of attempting to sabotage the engines of an Embraer E-175 aircraft during a commercial flight, putting the lives of 80 passengers in grave danger.

Alaska Airlines flight AS2059 to San Francisco lands safely-Source: X

The shocking event unfolded on a flight traveling from Everett, Washington to San Francisco on Sunday. The pilot, who was off-duty but occupying a jump seat in the cockpit, reportedly posed a real safety threat by trying to tamper with the aircraft’s engines.

Alaska Airlines, in an official statement, disclosed that the Embraer E-175 aircraft was operated by Horizon Air, a subsidiary of Alaska Airlines. After the incident occurred, the plane was diverted to Portland, Oregon, where it safely made an emergency landing.

More audio from the Alaska Airlines flight where an off duty pilot tried to shut down the engines mid-flight… 👀#AlaskaAirlines #pilot #flying pic.twitter.com/x73c2BLkOi

— Mrgunsngear (@Mrgunsngear) October 23, 2023

According to Alaska Airlines, the crew on board the aircraft swiftly responded to the “serious safety threat posed by an off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot traveling in the jump seat in the cockpit.” The airline reported that the individual seated in the jump seat had made an attempt to disrupt the normal operation of the engines.

Quick and effective action by the Horizon Air pilot and their assistant prevented the loss of engine power, ensuring the safety of all passengers on board. Thankfully, no accidents occurred during the incident.

While Alaska Airlines has not revealed the identity of the accused pilot, a 44-year-old man named Joseph Emerson faces a total of 83 charges, including attempted murder, endangering the lives of others, and endangering an aircraft. These charges were filed by the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office in Portland on Monday.

Off-duty pilot charged with 83 counts of attempted murder for allegedly trying to shut off engines on Alaska Airlines flight
Joseph David Emerson was taken into custody, the Port of Portland confirmed. – ABC News, 23Oct2023 pic.twitter.com/elYr9hYbzZ

— Mojack Marine (@MojackMarine) October 23, 2023

The incident is currently under investigation, with authorities looking into the circumstances surrounding this shocking event. It’s worth noting that several airlines permit off-duty pilots to travel while seated in jump seats in the cockpit, which are located directly behind the working pilots.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of rigorous safety protocols in aviation, ensuring that passengers and crew are protected from any potential threats that may arise during a flight.

This incident underscores the crucial need for robust safety measures in aviation to protect passengers and ensure the integrity of air travel.