Lawsuit Filed Against Alaska Airlines Claiming Attempted Engine Shutdown by Off-Duty Pilot
Alaska Airlines passengers file a lawsuit as an off-duty pilot allegedly attempts to shut down engines mid-flight, causing a terrifying nosedive experience for the passengers
According to a recently filed lawsuit, passengers aboard the Alaska Airlines flight, in which an off-duty pilot tried to deactivate the engines, experienced a sudden and alarming forward pitching motion akin to a nosedive. The suit, brought against both Alaska Airlines and Horizon Airlines, the operator of flight 2059, contends that the airlines neglected to adequately assess off-duty pilot Joseph Emerson before permitting him to occupy an additional cockpit seat, known as the jump seat, during the October 22nd flight.
The lawsuit argues that if they had done so, it is highly probable that he would have been refused admission and would not have been able to be in a position where he could have nearly killed everyone on board. Alaska Airlines has asserted that its ground and air crews did not notice any indications of impairment that would have prompted them to prevent Emerson from flying. The airline stated on Friday that it is currently examining the lawsuit and commends the actions of its crews.
Alaska Airlines praised the pilots and flight attendants of Flight 2059 for their swift response in ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew. The airline expressed deep appreciation for their skilled actions.
Emerson is charged with endangering the lives of everyone on board as he made an attempt to activate a fire extinguisher system that would cut off fuel supply to the engines. Following the incident, Emerson admitted to the police that he had suffered a nervous breakdown, was dealing with depression, and had recently consumed magic mushrooms.
On August 24, 2019, in the borough of Queens, New York City, a Boeing 737-990 (ER) belonging to Alaska Airlines was seen taking off from JFK Airport. The moment was captured by Bruce Bennett in this mesmerizing photo. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Bruce Bennett/Getty Images/FILE
Off-duty pilot accused of trying to shut off airliners engines mid-flight said he took magic mushrooms 48 hours before the incident, court documents say
He is currently detained in the Multnomah County Jail in Portland, Oregon without bail. The US Attorneys Office for the District of Oregon has announced that he has been formally charged in federal court for interfering with a flight crew. Booking records indicate that Emerson is also facing numerous state charges in Oregon, which include 83 felony counts of attempted murder, 83 counts of reckless endangerment, and one count of endangering an aircraft. He has pled not guilty to all state charges. Prior to the filing of the lawsuit, Emerson's attorney, Noah Horst, informed CNN that Emerson would never intentionally harm another person and was not under the influence of any intoxicants during the flight.
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According to the lawsuit, the passengers onboard the plane went through a regular flight for around 45 minutes to an hour. However, unexpectedly, the plane suddenly encountered a sensation similar to a nosedive. An announcement from a flight attendant came over the intercom, informing the passengers that the plane needed to make an immediate landing. This caught the unsuspecting Plaintiffs off guard, as they remained unaware of the situation.
The lawsuit states that a complete plane malfunction or the possibility of terrorist activity naturally crossed their minds. Subsequently, the passengers witnessed Emerson leaving the cockpit, proceeding towards the rear of the aircraft, and making an effort to open one of the plane doors.
According to the lawsuit, certain passengers became aware of the situation through friends who checked aviation tracking websites on the ground.
Although there have been numerous cases in which pilots have successfully taken control of aircraft, as outlined in the court filing, the lawsuit argues that Alaska Airlines failed to adequately assess Emerson's suitability to occupy the cockpit jump seat.
The lawsuit claims that the passengers have suffered emotional distress and seeks for the court to treat it as a class-action lawsuit. No specific amount of monetary damages is mentioned, but it does request the court to mandate Alaska Airlines and Horizon to implement more rigorous screening procedures for crew members before flights.
