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An off-duty pilot was arrested after an Alaska Airlines flight was forced to make an emergency landing. Alaska Airlines Flight 2059 departed from Everett, Washington, on Sunday (October 22) night, en route to San Francisco.
Shortly after take-off, the off-duty pilot, who was sitting in the plane's jump seat, tried to turn off the engines. He was unsuccessful, and the plane was forced to make an emergency landing in Portland, Oregon.
"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," Alaska Airlines said in a statement.
"Following appropriate FAA procedures and guidance from air traffic control, the flight safely diverted to Portland International Airport. The event is being investigated by law enforcement authorities," the airline added. "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."
Once the plane landed, the off-duty pilot, 44-year-old Joseph David Emerson, was taken into custody. He is facing 83 counts of attempted murder, 83 counts of reckless endangerment, and one count of endangering an aircraft.
According to ABC News, Emerson attempted to pull the fire extinguisher handles on the engines but was subdued by the flight crew and handcuffed to a seat at the rear of the aircraft.
Officials have not said why Emerson tried to crash the plane but ruled out terrorism as a motive.