5 days ago
When a rogue pilot tried to shut down both engines at 31,000 feet. What happened will surprise you
As the investigation into the Air India Ahmedabad crash intensifies, with reports now suggesting that investigators are focusing on the actions of the flight's captain, the aviation world is once again reminded of how critical decisions made in the cockpit can change the course of a flight in an instant.
Long before the Ahmedabad tragedy, a similar high-stakes situation unfolded aboard
Alaska Airlines Flight 2059
in October 2023, when an
off-duty pilot
sitting in the cockpit jump seat attempted to disable both engines mid-air, putting dozens of lives at risk.
Explore courses from Top Institutes in
Select a Course Category
Healthcare
Artificial Intelligence
Project Management
Digital Marketing
CXO
Finance
MBA
Data Analytics
Management
Public Policy
Others
Cybersecurity
Technology
Product Management
healthcare
Data Science
MCA
Operations Management
PGDM
Degree
others
Design Thinking
Data Science
Leadership
Skills you'll gain:
Financial Analysis in Healthcare
Financial Management & Investing
Strategic Management in Healthcare
Process Design & Analysis
Duration:
12 Weeks
Indian School of Business
Certificate Program in Healthcare Management
Starts on
Jun 13, 2024
Get Details
The Alaska Airlines Flight 2059 Incident: A Deadly Decision Averted
The incident occurred on October 22, 2023, during a Horizon Air-operated flight from Everett, Washington to San Francisco, California. The aircraft, an Embraer 175, was cruising at 31,000 feet with 84 people on board, including the crew. Seated in the cockpit jump seat was Captain Joseph David Emerson, an off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot. Without warning, Emerson reached for the engine fire suppression controls—known as T-handles—attempting to shut off the fuel supply to both engines. If successful, the move would have caused a dual flameout.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
This Japanese AI invention allows you to speak 68 languages instantly. The idea? Genius.
Enence 2.0
Undo
Thanks to the quick reaction of the on-duty pilots, the fire suppression system was immediately reset and Emerson was physically removed from the cockpit. The flight crew then diverted the aircraft safely to Portland International Airport, where Emerson was taken into custody. According to airline officials, engine power was not lost during the incident due to the timely response of the flight crew, who successfully secured the aircraft before the situation escalated further.
Live Events
You Might Also Like:
Did a fuel switch error cause the fatal Air India Boeing 787 crash?
In an official statement, Alaska Airlines confirmed that the flight had faced a credible security threat involving the off-duty pilot, who was traveling in the cockpit jump seat. The airline praised the Horizon captain and first officer for their swift response in handling a highly unusual and potentially catastrophic situation.
Captain Emerson had been with Alaska Air Group for over two decades. He began his career with Horizon Air in 2001, later joining Virgin America in 2012 before becoming part of Alaska Airlines following its acquisition of Virgin in 2016. He was promoted to captain in 2019. Throughout his career, he maintained all required FAA medical certifications and had no history of suspension or revocation.
However, following the incident, troubling details emerged from court documents and witness testimonies. Emerson told police he had not slept for approximately 40 hours, felt dehydrated and exhausted, and had been experiencing depression for about six months. He admitted to having taken psychedelic mushrooms for the first time roughly two days prior to the flight. He said he believed he was dreaming when he pulled the fire handles and wanted to 'wake up.'
You Might Also Like:
Air India crash probe focuses on actions of plane's captain, Wall Street Journal reports
Witnesses, including flight attendants and the on-duty pilots, described how Emerson initially said several times that he was not feeling okay before throwing his headset across the cockpit and pulling down both fire handles. The two pilots managed to subdue him after about 25 to 30 seconds of physical struggle. Around 90 seconds passed between Emerson's first 'I'm not okay' and his removal from the cockpit. After being handcuffed by the cabin crew, Emerson reportedly told them he had just endangered the lives of 84 people, including his own. He was later seen using his phone to text a similar message.
Through his attorney, Emerson pleaded not guilty to all federal charges, including 83 counts of attempted murder. He was released on a $50,000 bond in December 2023 and returned to his home in California.
You Might Also Like:
Explainer: What are the fuel switches at the centre of the Air India crash probe?
How an Indian engineer helped US make the stealth B-2 Spirit bomber and then sold the secrets to China
