In a terrifying incident mid air, an off duty pilot sitting identified as Captain Joseph Emerson tried to shut down the engines mid flight by deploying the engine fire suppression system.

Alaska Airlines released this comment..

On Oct. 22, Alaska Airlines Flight 2059 (an Embraer ERJ-175) operated by Horizon Air from Everett, WA to San Francisco, CA reported a credible security threat related to an authorized occupant in the flight deck jump seat. The crew secured the aircraft without incident. Following appropriate FAA procedures and guidance from air traffic control, the flight safely diverted to Portland International Airport. The event is being investigated by law enforcement authorities. The Horizon Captain and First Officer quickly responded, engine power was not lost, and the crew secured the aircraft without incident. Fortunately some residual fuel remained in the line, and the quick reaction of our crew to reset the handles restored fuel flow and prevented fuel starvation."

Portland's Police arrested the male individual (44), who was identified as an off-duty Alaska Airlines Pilot. He was charged of 83 counts of attempted murder, one count of endangering an aircraft and other charges of reckless endangerment (a total of 167 counts).

Captain Emerson joined Alaska Air Group as a Horizon First Officer in August 2001. In June 2012, Emerson left Horizon to join Virgin America as a pilot.  Emerson became an Alaska Airlines First Officer following Alaska’s acquisition of Virgin America in 2016. He became an Alaska Airlines Captain in 2019. Throughout his career, Emerson completed his mandated FAA medical certifications in accordance with regulatory requirements, and at no point were his certifications denied, suspended or revoked.  

Suggested Read: Alaska Airlines in flight review