San Francisco [US], October 24: Even when not on duty, a pilot still tried to turn off the plane's engine from outside the cockpit while on an Alaska Airlines flight.The Washington Post reported on October 24 that a pilot had just been indicted on a series of charges of attempted murder after trying to turn off the plane's engine, causing an Alaska Airlines ( USA ) flight to be diverted.The incident happened on October 22 when the flight leaving the city of Everett (Washington state) for San Francisco (California state) had to redirect to Portland (Oregon state).Police said pilot Joseph Emerson (44 years old) was indicted on 83 counts of attempted murder and 83 misdemeanor counts of reckless endangerment, in addition to endangering an aircraft.According to a recording, a pilot flying the plane told air traffic controllers: "We encountered someone trying to turn off the engine from outside the cockpit and it seemed like he didn't know." I caused trouble. I think he was controlled."ABC quoted passenger Aubrey Gavello as saying that the flight attendant turned on the speaker and said that Mr. Emerson "had a mental breakdown and needed to be taken off the plane immediately."Alaska Airlines issued a statement saying flight 2059 "reported a credible threat" after Mr. Emerson tried to turn off the engine.The FBI said the pilot landed safely at Portland airport at about 6:25 p.m. (local time) and Mr. Emerson was immediately arrested. The flight was operated by Alaska Airlines subsidiary Horizon Air and carried 80 passengers and crew members.According to special agent in charge of Portland, Kieran L. Ramsey, the FBI is investigating and can assure passengers that there is no threat related to this incident.Aviation officials said the flight's captain and co-pilot responded quickly to the threat, engine power was not lost and the crew secured the plane. Passengers then boarded another plane to continue their journey.According to the US Federal Aviation Administration database, pilot Emerson lives in the town of Pleasant Hill about 50 km from San Francisco. The pilot was most recently medically examined in September.The FAA requires pilots to undergo a medical examination every 6 months to 5 years, depending on age and aircraft.Source: ThanhNien Newspaper
