Authorities and a source say an off-duty pilot neglected to turn off an Alaska Airlines flight’s engines on Sunday, necessitating an emergency diversion to Portland, Oregon. Joseph Emerson was arrested for attempted murder after the jet landed at Portland’s airport, CBS News reported.
Emerson, 44, has 83 attempted murder charges, per Multnomah County Sheriff‘s Office online jail records.
The pilot said, “We’ve got the guy who tried to shut the engines down out of the cockpit.”
Emerson, 210 pounds and 6’1″, was arrested for state charges. The FBI is investigating.
The FBI Portland field office stated, “There is no ongoing threat associated with this incident.”
On Monday, the FAA advised American Airlines that the incident was “not connected in any way, shape, or form to current world events.” A law enforcement officer told CBS News investigators they found no ties to terrorism.
Former FBI executive associate director for intell
igence Joshua Skule said the incident’s causes are being investigated.
Skule vowed to probe this person’s life. Social media, smartphones, and PCs will be searched.
Alaska Airlines indicated Horizon Air Flight 2059 was involved. From Everett to San Francisco, 80 passengers and four crew members flew. A crew member, Emerson
The airline claimed off-duty Alaskan pilot Emerson tried to “disrupt the operation of the engines.” An engine shutdown attempt occurred 30 minutes into the flight at 31,000 feet.
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Emerson activated the engine fire suppression system by pulling the fire handle, Alaska Airlines told CBS News. Pulling the lever closes a wing valve, stopping engine feeding.
California Airlines spokesperson Cailee Lyngaas remarked, “Our crew’s quick T-handle reset prevented engine power loss.”
Cockpit jumpseats “would only have to reach up and grab something to be able to turn the engines off,” says airline pilot and former NTSB chief Robert Sumwalt.
The captain and first officer of Horizon authorized a Portland emergency landing after catching Emerson before 6:30 p.m. PDT. Airport officials said Emerson was caught soon.
ATC caught the pilot saying, “He doesn’t sound like he’s causing any issue in the back right now, and I think he’s subdued.” “Other than that, yeah, we want law enforcement as soon as we get on the ground and parked.”
The pilot’s seat constrained Emerson during flight.
The pilot told flight control, “It seems like he settled down as soon as he, uh, after one moment of going a little bit overboard.”
The FBI reported no injuries.
Pete Buttigieg, the transportation secretary, praised pilots and air traffic controllers on social media for the jet’s safe arrival in Portland. He said the FAA will prioritize “any safety considerations for the future that emerge from investigations.”
The Air Line Pilots Association says flying is “one of the most thoroughly vetted and scrutinized careers.” North American pilots are “continuously evaluated throughout their careers” by medical exams, FAA random flying checks, and other processes, the association added.
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Multnomah County Circuit Court said Emerson was arrested at 4:11 a.m. PDT on Monday and may appear on Tuesday.
The TSA said all passengers were rescreened in Portland before boarding a second flight to San Francisco.
said, “We are grateful for the professional handling of the situation by the Horizon flight crew and appreciate our guests’ calm and patience throughout this event.”
Alaska Airlines claims Emerson was a 2001 Horizon Air first officer. He became a first officer after leaving Virgin America in 2012 when Alaska Airlines bought it in 2016. Captain of Alaska Airlines since 2019.
“Throughout his career, Emerson completed his mandated FAA medical certifications in accordance with regulatory requirements, and at no point were his certifications denied, suspended, or revoked,” said Lyngaas.
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