Oct. 22, 2023: The off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot charged with over 80 counts of attempted murder, following an alleged attempt to shut off a plane’s engines midflight, has a history of employment with multiple airlines. Joseph David Emerson, the 44-year-old pilot, was hired by Horizon Air in 2001 and has since been employed by Alaska Airlines and Virgin America, according to a spokesperson for Alaska Airlines.
The flight in question, Flight 2059, was being operated by Horizon Air, a subsidiary of Alaska Airlines. It had taken off from Everett, Washington, with its destination set for San Francisco, according to a statement from Alaska Airlines. However, the flight had to be diverted due to what the airline described as a “credible security threat” linked to an individual occupying the jump seat in the cockpit.
The airline reported that the person in the jump seat made an unsuccessful attempt to interfere with the plane’s engines. Fortunately, the Horizon Air Captain and First Officer reacted swiftly, preventing any loss of engine power and ensuring the safety of the aircraft and its passengers.
The flight crew followed the appropriate procedures outlined by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and followed guidance from air traffic control, leading to the safe landing of the aircraft at Portland International Airport. Flight data from FlightAware indicates that the plane took off just before 5:30 p.m. local time and landed approximately an hour later in Portland.
Recordings of the plane’s communications with air traffic control revealed the pilot’s efforts to thwart the attempt to shut off the plane’s engines. The pilot informed air traffic control that the individual responsible for the disruption had been detained and requested law enforcement assistance upon landing.
Typically, off-duty airline pilots sit in the jump seat in the flight deck behind the active pilots, primarily for the purpose of returning to their home bases when seats are available on the flight.
Following the plane’s safe landing, Port of Portland police took the individual responsible, identified as Joseph David Emerson, into custody. The 44-year-old was subsequently booked on a total of 83 counts of attempted murder, 83 counts of reckless endangerment, and one count of endangering an aircraft, according to Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office booking records.
This alarming incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety and security measures in aviation and the quick response of flight crews and law enforcement when faced with potential threats during flights.
The FBI is currently conducting an investigation into the incident and has confirmed that no injuries were reported. They have also assured the traveling public that there is no ongoing threat related to the incident. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is actively working with Alaska and Horizon airlines and providing support for law enforcement investigations.
The FAA issued alerts to airlines following the incident, indicating that a jump seat passenger attempted to disable the aircraft engines while the plane was at cruising altitude by deploying the engine fire suppression system. Fortunately, the flight crew was able to subdue the individual responsible, remove him from the flight deck, divert the plane, and land safely. In a subsequent notification, the FAA clarified that the security event is not connected to current world events.
All passengers on the affected flight were accommodated on a later flight, and Alaska Airlines expressed there gratitude to Horizon flight crew. They also extended their appreciation to their guests for remaining calm and patient throughout the event. This incident serves as a reminder of the crucial role played by airline personnel and security measures in ensuring the safety of air travel.
