Unbelievable: Off-Duty Pilot's Shocking Attempt to Disable Alaskan Flight Exposed!

An off-duty pilot onboard an Alaska Airlines flight to San Francisco on Sunday is now facing multiple charges of attempted murder. Authorities say that the suspect, who has been identified as 44-year-old Joseph D. Emerson, tried to shut down the plane's engines mid-flight. However, thanks to the swift response of the aircraft's captain and first officer, the engines were kept from completely failing. The airline has reported that Emerson was eventually subdued by the flight crew.

The Port of Portland police stated that the flight had to be redirected to Portland, Oregon, and the suspect was apprehended there. Booking records indicate that Emerson is facing charges in Oregon, including 83 felony counts of attempted murder, 83 counts of reckless endangerment, and one count of endangering an aircraft.

According to a law enforcement source familiar with the investigation, authorities do not consider the incident to be an act of terrorism or ideologically motivated violence. CNN's Josh Campbell has reported this information and also mentioned that the suspect might potentially face additional federal charges. Here is a summary of the information we have at present.

Suspect tried to cut the engine fuel, airline says

Alaska Airlines Flight 2059, operated by regional carrier Horizon Air, encountered a "security threat linked to an off-duty pilot, Captain Joseph Emerson, who was traveling in the flight deck jump seat," according to a statement released by the airline. The incident occurred on Sunday after the aircraft departed from Everett, Washington.

Pilots may occasionally occupy a jump seat in the cockpit for official travel or when commuting between airports.

According to the airline, Emerson attempted to deactivate the engines of both Embraer 175 aircraft while inside the cockpit by pulling the fire extinguisher handles.

On November 11, 2020, an Alaska SkyWest Embraer E175LR jet is captured taking off from Los Angeles international Airport in Los Angeles, California. The photo, taken by AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images, showcases the impressive sight of the aircraft in motion.

AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images/Getty Images/FILE

An off-duty pilot tried to disrupt an Alaska Airlines flight's engines before being subdued, airline says

According to Alaska Airlines, each engine is equipped with a T-handle in the fire suppression system. When these handles are pulled, a valve in the wing closes to stop the fuel supply to the engine. However, some fuel may still remain in the line even after pulling the handles. The airline mentioned that the crew's prompt action of resetting both handles effectively restored fuel flow and prevented the engines from shutting down.

The airline expressed their pride and gratitude for their crew's prompt and adept response to a challenging and unusually rare situation, according to a statement. As stated in a memo distributed within American Airlines, Captain Mike Karn, senior manager of flight security, mentioned that the incident occurred while the plane was at its cruising altitude.

The suspect was apprehended by the flight crew, and the plane was diverted to Portland International Airport, as stated by the Port of Portland. In air traffic control audio captured by LiveATC.net, one of the pilots can be heard remarking, "I believe he has been restrained. However, we urgently require law enforcement upon landing and parking."

Once the flight landed in Portland around 6:30 p.m., the suspect was taken into custody by Port of Portland police officers, the port said.

No injuries were reported on the flight, the FBI said.

The FBI is investigating the incident

The airline confirmed that all passengers were eventually able to travel to San Francisco on a different aircraft and with a new crew. They mentioned that they are currently contacting each passenger individually to address their experience and ensure their well-being.

Emerson is currently being held at the Multnomah County Detention Center while authorities from the FBI and the Port of Portland police conduct an investigation into the incident. The FBI's Portland field office released a statement on Monday acknowledging their investigation and reassuring travelers that there is no ongoing threat associated with this incident.

The Federal Aviation Administration is also providing assistance to local law enforcement in the investigation. It has shared preliminary information about the incident with other airlines and assured them that it is unrelated to ongoing "current world events," which likely refers to the conflict in the Middle East between Israel and Hamas.

It was very shocking, suspects neighbor says

Emersons neighbor, Ed Yee, told CNN it was "very shocking" to hear of the suspects alleged actions.

"He seems like a really nice guy. Nothing abnormal about him," Yee said.

Emerson has worked in aviation for at least two decades, according to information shared by Alaskan Airlines.

On September 1, 2023, in Chicago, Illinois, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg provided an update on the surge in summer travel at O'Hare International Airport. The Labor Day weekend saw a significant increase in air travel compared to the previous year, as domestic bookings rose by 4% and international bookings soared by 44%, according to AAA. Over the course of the extended weekend, from Thursday to Monday, it is anticipated that approximately 1.6 million travelers will pass through Chicago's two major airports. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Scott Olson/Getty Images

Sec. Buttigieg looking for reductions in unruly passengers, close calls after busiest air travel summer on record

In 2001, Emerson initially joined the Alaska Air Group as a first officer with Horizon. After his departure from Horizon in 2012, he transitioned to Virgin America, assuming the role of a pilot. Subsequently, in 2016, when Alaska Airlines acquired Virgin America, Emerson was assigned the position of a first officer within Alaska. The airline statement reveals that he dedicated approximately three additional years to further advance his career, ultimately becoming a pilot for the airline.

Alaska Airlines stated that Emerson successfully fulfilled all his FAA medical certifications throughout his career, adhering to regulatory guidelines. There were no instances of his certifications being denied, suspended, or revoked. According to FAA records, Emerson possessed an Airline Transport Pilot certification with qualifications to operate the Airbus A320, Boeing 737, Canadair Regional Jet, and De Havilland Dash 8. However, the records highlight that he did not possess the certification required to fly the ERJ 175, which was the aircraft involved in the incident on Sunday.

CNNs Josh Campbell, Holmes Lybrand, Sarah Moon, Dakin Andone, Jeffrey Kopp and Veronica Miracle contributed to this report.