Off-duty pilot accused of trying to shut off plane’s engines midflight

PORTLAND, Ore. — Authorities arrested an off-duty pilot riding on an Alaska Airlines plane Sunday night after he allegedly tried to turn off the aircraft’s engines midflight, according to airline officials.

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Authorities said the incident happened on a flight operated by Horizon Air from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco. It forced the plane’s pilot to divert to Portland, Oregon, where the aircraft landed around 6:25 p.m.

No injuries were reported, according to officials with the FBI’s Portland Division.

Officials with Alaska Airlines said the flight was diverted after its crew reported “a credible security threat related to an authorized occupant in the flight deck jump seat.”

“The jump seat occupant unsuccessfully attempted to disrupt the operation of the engines,” according to airline officials. “The Horizon Captain and First Officer quickly responded, engine power was not lost and the crew secured the aircraft without incident.”

In audio captured by LiveATC.com and reviewed by The Associated Press, one of the plane’s pilots could be heard asking air traffic controllers to get authorities to meet the plane on the ground.

“We’ve got the guy that tried to shut the engines down out of the cockpit,” the pilot says. “And he — doesn’t sound like he’s causing any issue in the back right now, and I think he’s subdued.”

After the Embraer 175 jet landed at Portland International Airport, authorities arrested 44-year-old Joseph D. Emerson, The New York Times and NPR reported. Records from the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office show Emerson was booked on 83 counts each of attempted murder and reckless endangerment, and one count of endangering an aircraft. Emerson has a license to fly airline planes, although it was not immediately clear what airline he works for, the AP reported, citing records from the Federal Aviation Administration.

Alaska Airlines said passengers on Flight 2059 were able to get on a later flight to reach their destinations.

“We are grateful for the professional handling of the situation by the Horizon flight crew and appreciate our guests’ calm and patience throughout the event,” airline officials said.

Authorities continue to investigate.