A potentially catastrophic incident was narrowly averted when an off-duty pilot attempted to disrupt an Alaska Airlines flight bound for San Francisco. The alarming event unfolded aboard Horizon Air flight 2059, an Embraer E175 regional jet departing from Everett. The off-duty pilot, who had been riding in a jump seat on the flight deck, made a desperate attempt to disable the aircraft’s engines.

The situation, as captured in audio recordings and confirmed by statements from the airline and authorities, unfolded as the flight was en route to San Francisco. The off-duty Alaska Airlines captain’s actions posed a serious threat to the safety of everyone on board. He sought to shut down the engines during the flight, a terrifying act that could have resulted in a disaster of unimaginable proportions.

The flight crew acted swiftly to subdue the errant pilot. And, the aircraft’s diversion to Portland ensured a safe landing for all passengers. The decisive actions of the flight crew played a crucial role in preventing a potential catastrophe.

More on the Alaska Airlines incident:

Following the incident, the off-duty pilot was taken into custody by the Port of Portland police. Records from the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office indicate that the arrested individual is Joseph Emerson. He is a 44-year-old pilot associated with Alaska Airlines. He has been booked into jail on suspicion of attempted murder and other related offenses.

Joseph Emerson, a California resident with ties to Seattle, boasts a long history as a commercial airline pilot. His aviation career began in 2001, and he has been part of the Alaska Airlines team since 2016. The motives behind his alarming attempt to disrupt the flight remain a subject of ongoing investigation by law enforcement authorities.

Authorities are working to piece together the events that transpired during the flight. They went on to clarify that the incident has no relation to current global events. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) emphasized this in a separate notice, underlining that the disturbing incident aboard the Alaska Airlines flight should not be misconstrued as having any connection to broader world events.