Off-Duty Pilot Charged with Attempted Murder After Allegedly Trying to Shut Down Plane’s Engines in Mid-Flight

AFP

On Sunday October 22nd, passengers aboard Alaska Airlines Flight 2059 from Everett, WA to San Francisco, CA were in for a terrifying ride as an off-duty pilot attempted to shut down the engines mid-flight. The unthinkable act of sabotage was averted by the quick actions of the aircraft’s crew, but has left the aviation industry reeling with concerns over safety and security.

ABC News

The man responsible, identified as Captain Joseph Emerson, now faces 83 counts of attempted murder for his attempt to disrupt the operation of the engines. The incident, currently under investigation by law enforcement authorities including the FBI and the Port of Portland Police Department, was deemed a credible security threat by the airline.

As the details of this disturbing act are slowly unveiled, the aviation industry must reassess and strengthen their safety protocols to prevent any future occurrences of such a grave threat. The safety of passengers must always remain the top priority, and any loopholes in the system must be addressed and rectified.

With information from Telemundo