Alaska Airlines Flight 2059, bound for San Francisco, had to be diverted to Portland, Oregon, after an off-duty pilot inside the cockpit attempted to disable the aircraft’s engines, according to the airline.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) told airlines that the individual attempted to disable the engines of the Embraer 175 regional jet by activating the fire suppression system and added that the crew was able to remove the individual from the flight deck. The engines were not deactivated, Alaska said.
Joseph David Emerson, 44, was charged with 83 counts of attempted murder and endangering an airplane, according to information from the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office.
An FAA pilot database shows Emerson was listed as a certified pilot and received medical clearance last month. It is common for off-duty pilots to sit in booster seats to return home or for an upcoming flight assignment.
Audio published by LiveATC reveals that, when the situation was under control, the pilot informed air traffic control: “It doesn’t appear that he is causing any problems at the rear. We want law enforcement to be present as soon as we hit the ground and park.”
The FAA told airlines that the incident is “in no way connected to current world events” but said “it is always good practice to maintain vigilance.”
Alaska Airlines said all passengers on board were able to travel to their destinations on a later flight.
Source: CNN Brasil
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