OR - Alaska Airlines flight diverted after off-duty pilot tries "to shut the engines down" in cockpit, audio reveals

[Inthedetails]

This reminds me of a terrible case of German pilot who crashed the plane into Alps mountain in 2015.
Killing 149 people.

Remember?

Andreas Lubitz ACCELERATED doomed jet into the mountain

French air accident investigators said 27-year-old Lubitz (inset) used the automatic pilot to put the plane into a descent and repeatedly adjusted the controls to speed up the plane.

www-dailymail-co-uk.cdn.ampproject.org

That's the case with the deliberate crash popped into my mind too (after a first thought of terrorism....the world is a bit jumpy these days). So thankful this ended safely. Whew.

jmo

 

[Seattle1]

Amazing and quick response by the crew to subdue this guy!

After more info was released today, it doesn't sound like the pilot resisted, and cooperated with staff when being taken to the back of the aircraft. Passengers were unaware of what had occurred until they landed for a "medical (mental) emergency" in PDX.

And better yet the flight crew was listening when he announced he wasn't feeling right as he reached for the fire suppression controls which would have prevented fuel from reaching the engines.

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[Breezie]

After more info was released today, it doesn't sound like the pilot resisted, and cooperated with staff when being taken to the back of the aircraft. Passengers were unaware of what had occurred until they landed for a "medical (mental) emergency" in PDX.

And better yet the flight crew was listening when he announced he wasn't feeling right as he reached for the fire suppression controls which would have prevented fuel from reaching the engines.

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Wonder what this medical or mental emergency was caused by?
Did he even know what he was reaching for?
From his FB page, he looked like a normal happy guy with a nice family.

If this was caused by something that he couldn’t control, like a seizure, or a bad reaction to a medication, or a sudden mental break, then it would be sad if he lost his family because of it. He should never be allowed to pilot, again, no matter what caused this to happen.

 

[Marysmith]

This reminds me of a terrible case of German pilot who crashed the plane into Alps mountain in 2015.
Killing 149 people.

Remember?

Andreas Lubitz ACCELERATED doomed jet into the mountain

French air accident investigators said 27-year-old Lubitz (inset) used the automatic pilot to put the plane into a descent and repeatedly adjusted the controls to speed up the plane.

www-dailymail-co-uk.cdn.ampproject.org

Yes, horrific and unbelievable.

 

[Dotta]

Thanks, that is helpful.

Was he so sick that he was delirious and didn't realize where he was, just grasping at controls out of muscle memory while his brain malfunctioned? I'm trying to figure out a "benign' explanation other than wanted to deliberately crash the plane and kill people.

jmo

I think he knew perfectly well what he was doing.

I'm also not convinced of neighbours' tales about a "happy man".

Depression has many faces.

Thank goodness the crew was able to overpower him.
They saved innocent people.
I shudder thinking what might have happened

Just MY opinion.

 

[Knox]

Wow, he's a Captain with over twenty years of service as a pilot? I think the article said he was hired in 2001? Young too, only 44. What could have made him try something like that? If he were truly having a mental break, would he have sat quietly in the back of the plane until they arrived at PDX?

 

[UnderSea]

I believe "airline pilot" is one of the jobs where acknowledging mental health issues during the hiring process can be disqualifying (at minimum, per the FAA guidelines below, it seems like it'd make getting hired MUCH harder), but somehow this guy managed to make it through (though mental health issues can come on any time, of course). I wonder if maybe he was very intoxicated (but in this case he probably should have been denied boarding, no?).

My understanding from a pilot friend is that mental illness issues and certain physical health issues are grounds for dismissal. It was explained to me that this keeps pilots with things as simple as treatable depression from accessing care in order to keep their jobs. I'm not suggesting MI was the cause of this event, just seconding the above statement.

 

[Ebon]

An off-duty pilot is accused of trying to shut down the engines of a Horizon Air jet in midflight

An off-duty pilot riding in the cockpit of a Horizon Air passenger jet tried to shut down the engines in midflight.

apnews.com

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — An off-duty pilot riding in the extra seat in the cockpit of a Horizon Air passenger jet tried to shut down the engines in midflight and had to be subdued by the crew, a pilot flying the plane told air traffic controllers.

 

[imstilla.grandma]

Alaska Airlines pilot Joseph Emerson was riding in the cockpit’s jump seat as he flew from Washington to San Francisco, where he was set to fly another plane. It’s not uncommon for crew members flying for work to travel in jump seats on the flight deck.

According to a statement from the airline, the pilot for Flight 2059 reported a credible security threat after Emerson attempted to disrupt the operation of the engines.

“The Horizon Captain and First Officer quickly responded, engine power was not lost and the crew secured the aircraft without incident,” the airline said.

An FAA alert said Emerson attempted to disrupt the operation of engines while the plane was at cruising altitude by activating the engine’s fire suppression systems. The Horizon flight, operated by Alaska Airlines, was carrying 80 passengers and four crew members.

Off-duty pilot faces murder charges after reported cockpit incident

The crew subdued the off-duty pilot and handcuffed him to a seat. He is currently facing 83 charges for first-degree attempted murder.

www.newsnationnow.com

 

[IceIce9]

Alaska Airlines on FAA medical history of pilot who reportedly tried to cut engines during flight

The Seattle-based carrier issued a new statement Monday night reading, "Throughout his career, Emerson completed his mandated FAA medical certifications."

www.king5.com

SEATTLE — More information is being shared and learned about what happened inside the cockpit of a passenger plane out of Everett's Paine Field Sunday evening and about the pilot's prior FAA medical examinations.

As KING 5 reported, in an Alaska Airlines flight operated by Horizon Air, an off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot reportedly tried to shut off the engines mid-flight.

 

[katydid23]

What makes this specific situation SO WEIRD>>> He was literally on his way to pilot his next flight.


So WHY did he try to take down this plane, inches away from 2 pilots, when he could have waited until he was the pilot behind the controls, and more easily take down that flight?


I think he was wanting 'help' because he didn't really want to crash a plane---but maybe was having scary horrible thoughts/urges-----so reaching for that emergency control, inches away from 2 other pilots was a way of him being shut down.

Truth is, if he really wanted to crash an airliner he could have done so because he was on his way to his next flight where he'd be in the Captain's seat. Just had to wait until the copilot went to the rest room or turned his back or was sent on an errand, and he could have taken down the plane.

But he didn't do that. Instead he made a weak attempt to do so, right in front of 2 other pilots, then immediately complied and put up no further resistance as he was led away. That sounds very strange.

I really think he was fighting bad thoughts, and fighting bad urges, and because he was not completely out of his mind , he made a crude attempt to reach out for help by grabbing that control handle.

 

[IceIce9]

One of the pilots assigned to the flight is heard in audio recorded by LiveATC.net telling air traffic controllers the suspect had “tried to shut the engines down.”

“I think he’s subdued,” the pilot said. “Other than that, we want law enforcement as soon as we get on the ground and are parked.”

The flight was diverted to Portland International Airport, per the airline. It did not name Emerson but said the “jump seat occupant” was in custody and under investigation by the FBI and the Port of Portland.

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

An off-duty pilot riding as a passenger in the cockpit of an Alaska Airlines flight Sunday tried to “disrupt the operation of the engines,” forcing the flight en route to San Francisco to divert to Portland, Oregon, the airline said in a statement Monday.

amp.cnn.com

 

[arielilane]

Alaska Airlines flight from Everett diverted, man arrested for attempted murders

PORTLAND, Oregon -- A 44-year-old man was arrested Sunday night for 83 counts of attempted murder, according to the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office.

www.kxly.com

Alaska Airlines issued the following statement:

On Oct. 22, Alaska Airlines Flight 2059 operated by Horizon Air from Everett, WA (PAE) to San Francisco, CA (SFO) reported a credible security threat related to an off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot who was traveling in the flight deck jump seat. The jump seat occupant unsuccessfully attempted to disrupt the operation of the engines. The Horizon Captain and First Officer quickly responded, engine power was not lost and the crew secured the aircraft without incident.
Following appropriate FAA procedures and guidance from Air Traffic Control, the flight was safely diverted to Portland International Airport. The jump seat occupant is currently in custody and the event is being investigated by law enforcement authorities, which includes the FBI and the Port of Portland Police Department.
All passengers on board were able to travel on a later flight. 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.

 

[arielilane]

Gavello described the suspect's demeanor. "He was tall, well kempt, had a lanyard, shirt tucked in, well put together," said Gavello.

"We landed, and about 10 police officers came on, armed, walked back to the plane where I'm sitting to take him and walk him off the plane. He looked dead in the eyes almost. It was almost as if he had a psychotic breakdown. Then the flight attendant got back on and told us he had a mental breakdown," she said.

Wood and Gavello both say this experience has raised some big concerns.

"With love and respect for people dealing with mental health issues, it's a scary moment for all of us. I hope he gets the help he needs. I also don't think it's OK for a pilot to do this and just be able to hop on a plane with all that is going on," said Wood.

Alaska Airlines passengers describe Bay Area pilot's demeanor, moments leading up to arrest

Passengers who were onboard Alaska Airlines describe what led up to the off-duty pilot arrest after he allegedly tried to shut down the engines. "I saw zip ties during, which was confusing because they had told us it was a medical emergency."

abc7news.com

Monday, October 23, 2023 11:00PM

 

[arielilane]

I think he knew perfectly well what he was doing.

I'm also not convinced of neighbours' tales about a "happy man".

Depression has many faces.

Thank goodness the crew was able to overpower him.
They saved innocent people.
I shudder thinking what might have happened

Just MY opinion.

It will be interesting to see what his digital forensics reveal. moo

 

[Seattle1]

https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/24/us/alaska-airlines-disruption-off-duty-pilot-tuesday/index.html

10/24/23

The suspect, identified as Alaska Airlines pilot Joseph D. Emerson, 44, attempted to cut off fuel to the engines, but the quick action of the aircraft’s captain and first officer kept the engines from failing completely, the airline said, adding Emerson was subdued by the flight crew.

[..]

Emerson is being held without bail at the Multnomah County Jail and has been charged in Oregon with 83 felony counts of attempted murder, 83 counts of reckless endangerment and one count of endangering an aircraft, booking records show. He is expected in court Tuesday afternoon. Online records do not list an attorney for Emerson.

Authorities do not believe the incident was an act of terrorism or ideologically motivated violence, a law enforcement source familiar with the investigation told CNN’s Josh Campbell. Investigators believe it may have been the result of a mental health episode, and authorities are preparing for court officials to order an assessment of the defendant’s psychological state as part of court proceedings, the source said.

The source noted the suspect may face additional federal charges.

[..]

Emerson had his most recent FAA medical examination last month, records show. He has a first-class medical certificate, the highest level of medical certificate awarded by the agency, which requires examinations every six months for pilots 40 and over.

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

He first joined the Alaska Air Group in 2001 as a first officer with Horizon. In 2012, Emerson left Horizon and joined Virgin America as a pilot.

After Alaska Airlines acquired Virgin America in 2016, Emerson became a first officer with Alaska and worked about three more years to become a pilot for the airline, according to the airline statement.

“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,” Alaska Airlines said in a statement.

FAA records show Emerson held an Airline Transport Pilot certification with ratings to fly the Airbus A320, Boeing 737, Canadair Regional Jet, and De Havilland Dash 8. He did not hold a certification to fly the ERJ 175, those records indicate, the type of airplane in use during Sunday’s incident.

 

[RickshawFan]

Three minute video

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Who is Pilot Joseph Emerson?​

A pilot who lives in Pleasant Hill, Joseph David Emerson, is facing 167 charges after he allegedly tried to shut down the engines of a plane bound for San Francisco while he was off-duty and in the cockpit. Emerson, 44, is an FAA licensed pilot. He is now accused of attempting to murder 83 people who were onboard the passenger flight Sunday evening, according to jail records. Neighbors described Emerson as a "positive, very friendly, upbeat," father of two.



Five minute video

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Off-duty pilot charged with attempted murder for allegedly trying to crash Alaska Airlines flight​

An Alaska Airlines flight diverted to Portland, Oregon, Sunday after an off-duty pilot in the cockpit unsuccessfully tried to shut down the plane's engines midflight, according to officials. The suspect, Joseph Emerson, was taken into custody by police and charged with attempted murder after the plane landed safely at Portland's airport, officials confirmed to CBS News. Joshua Skule, former FBI executive assistant director for intelligence, joined CBS News to discuss the incident.

The tombstones in the yard....I don't care if it's Halloween.

 

[Seattle1]

Federal Regulations require 10 hours scheduled rest before and after each regularly assigned period. If Emerson was scheduled to fly his own route after landing SFO, he most likely spent Saturday night in Seattle (i.e., away from his CA home).

World news has been very stressful in the past weeks -- nobody knows what might trigger an impulsive act. While the cockpit would not be unfamiliar to Emerson, the ERJ 175 aircraft was not one he held a certification to fly.

IMO, I think this event came about quickly. The total flight duration from Everett, WA to Portland, OR is about 46 minutes, and Portland was probably the closest airport to make the emergency landing.

I'm reminded of a concert pianist doing his breakfast dishes when he unexpectedly sticks his hand in the sink disposal without any warning-- an impulsive act. Months later the pianist recalls he dreamed of his late grandmother the night before (his most admiring fan), who had passed 15 years earlier. It was as if the life he spent protecting his hands passed before his eyes-- but he had no memory of shoving his hand down the drain. He had no history or previous mental health episodes.

We can ask what did 15 years trigger versus 3, 5, or 9 years? Nobody really knows other than the concert pianist could never perform again. Nor will Emerson ever fly an aircraft again.

I wish the former pilot and his family stability, support, and patience during his recovery (and prosecution). MOO

 

[Seattle1]

This reminds me of a terrible case of German pilot who crashed the plane into Alps mountain in 2015.
Killing 149 people.

Remember?

Andreas Lubitz ACCELERATED doomed jet into the mountain

French air accident investigators said 27-year-old Lubitz (inset) used the automatic pilot to put the plane into a descent and repeatedly adjusted the controls to speed up the plane.

www-dailymail-co-uk.cdn.ampproject.org

The German pilot was suicidal and knowingly broke the law -- told doctors he was on sick leave.

Prosecutors said an examination of a tablet computer found at his apartment revealed he had recently used internet search terms such as cockpit doors and their security and suicide methods.

It was also reported that Lubitz told doctors he was on sick leave rather than flying and had been prescribed an anti-anxiety drug so strong it can increase the risk of suicide.

 

[Betty P]

It was also reported that Lubitz told doctors he was on sick leave rather than flying and had been prescribed an anti-anxiety drug so strong it can increase the risk of suicide.

Aha! That's what I was thinking - reaction to a new drug. He was depressed or anxious and doc prescribed a medicine that made him feel much worse. Some of those drugs that are commonly prescribed can be very, very dangerous in some people. Pilots these days work very heavy schedules, long hours. A new medication could have caused him difficulty sleeping, then all kinds of strange feelings.

I had something similar happen many years ago with a drug that works great for millions of people. For me, it immediately caused anxiety, sleeplessness for days, very strange out of body feeling; almost despair like something is wrong but you don't know what it is. I stopped taking it after a few days and within a week returned to normal. Disposed of the rest. I wouldn't have tried to crash a plane or harm anyone, but the pilot was in his normal work environment.