For over twenty years, Joseph D Emerson enjoyed a flourishing career as an airline pilot. He joined the Alaska Air Group in 2001, starting as a first officer and eventually becoming a pilot in 2019. However, on Sunday, something completely unexpected occurred. While sitting in the flight deck jump seat in the cockpit of a plane traveling from Seattle to San Francisco, the 44-year-old allegedly made an attempt to cut off fuel to the engines. The flight crew managed to subdue him, and he was subsequently arrested and charged with 167 offenses, including 83 counts of first-degree attempted murder. Additionally, he now faces a federal charge of interfering with flight crew members and attendants. Although no one was harmed in the incident, the FBI and the Port of Portland police are currently investigating. Many questions still remain unanswered as to what drove Mr. Emerson to allegedly try to crash the plane mid-flight. Here’s what we currently know about the event:
What transpired on the flight?
Authorities revealed that Mr. Emerson, who was off-duty at the time, was seated in the flight deck jump seat when he suddenly attempted to shut down both engines by pulling the fire extinguisher handles. The flight crew, with the captain and first officer intervening, managed to neutralize the situation and keep the engines running. Subsequently, a flight attendant escorted Mr. Emerson to the rear of the aircraft, where he was restrained and secured in the aft jump seat. Alaska Airlines reported that Mr. Emerson also tried to open the emergency exit during the aircraft’s descent but was stopped by a flight attendant. The flight, originally bound for San Francisco, was diverted to Portland, and all 80 passengers on board were transferred to a different plane. However, it wasn’t until a flight attendant announced over the speaker that there was an emergency situation and the plane needed to land immediately that passengers became aware of the “security threat”. After the plane landed, Mr. Emerson was taken into custody by the police and escorted off the aircraft while being handcuffed. Aubrey Gavello, a passenger on the plane, noted that the suspect appeared calm and cooperative during the removal.
Who is Joseph D Emerson?
Jospeh D Emerson is currently facing 167 charges, which include 83 attempted murder charges, 83 counts of reckless endangerment, and one count of endangering an aircraft. Nevertheless, he has pleaded not guilty to these charges, and his motive for the incident remains unclear. Prior to the occurrence, Mr. Emerson worked as a pilot for Alaska Airlines. He joined Alaska Air Group as a Horizon First Officer in August 2001. Later, in June 2012, he left Horizon to become a pilot for Virgin America. However, following Alaska Airlines’ acquisition of Virgin America in 2016, he transitioned to the role of an Alaska Airlines First Officer. Finally, in 2019, he attained the position of Alaska Airlines Captain. Neighbors of the 44-year-old describe him as a “friendly” and “fantastic father”. They emphasize his involvement with his wife and two young sons and express disbelief at the alleged incident. Many of them find it hard to believe that he would intentionally engage in behavior that could pose harm to others.
What was the motive?
The motive behind Mr. Emerson’s alleged attempt to crash the plane remains unknown. However, upon his arrest, he reportedly told the police that he had experienced a “nervous breakdown” and had consumed psychedelic mushrooms. In a federal affidavit, he stated that he hadn’t slept for 40 hours and felt that the pilots were not paying proper attention to the situation on board. Alaska Airlines stated that Mr. Emerson had no prior history of medical issues. Despite his claims, his FAA medical certifications were consistently completed and never denied, suspended, or revoked, according to the airline. Passengers on the plane were informed by a flight attendant that Mr. Emerson had suffered a mental breakdown. Authorities do not believe the incident was an act of terrorism or ideologically-motivated violence.
