Alaska Airlines Pilot Charged with 83 Counts of Attempted Murder

An Alaska Airlines pilot, Joseph David Emerson, was charged with 83 counts of attempted murder and endangering an airplane after making threats during a flight. The incident occurred on a Horizon Air flight traveling from Everett to San Francisco.

According to authorities at the Port of Portland, Emerson, who was off-duty at the time, was taken into custody following a disturbance onboard the aircraft. The flight had to be diverted and landed in Portland around 6:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Reports suggest that Emerson was riding in the jump seat of the cockpit when he allegedly tried to disrupt the operation of the engines. Alaska Airlines, which owns Horizon Air, stated that "the jump seat occupant unsuccessfully attempted to disrupt the operation of the engines." Fortunately, thanks to quick responses from both the Horizon Captain and First Officer, engine power was not lost and they were able to secure the aircraft without incident.

The plane crew managed to subdue Emerson towards the back of the plane before landing in Portland. Upon arrival, he was taken into custody by authorities. Currently, Emerson is being held at Multnomah County Detention Center pending further legal proceedings.

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