"Thought I was dreaming": Off-duty US pilot who tried shut down plane's engines

In a harrowing incident that unfolded on an Alaska Airlines flight bound for San Francisco on Sunday, October 22, 2023, the heroic actions of the aircraft's captain and first officer were the unwavering pillars of safety.

Joseph D. Emerson, an off-duty pilot, in a state of extreme fatigue, made a grave attempt to disable the aircraft's engines by triggering the fire extinguisher handles in the cockpit. The consequences could have been catastrophic, but the swift response of the vigilant flight crew ensured that disaster was averted.

Emerson's behavior, perhaps exacerbated by sleep deprivation and the influence of psychedelic mushrooms, led to his apprehension by the flight crew, ultimately forcing the flight to divert to Portland, Oregon.

There, the Port of Portland police took him into custody, and he now faces serious charges in federal court, including interfering with a flight crew, attempted murder, reckless endangerment, and endangering an aircraft. As the plane landed in Portland, a team of dedicated police officers boarded to escort the suspect off the aircraft.

The FBI office in Portland has taken charge of the investigation and has assured the traveling public that there is no ongoing threat related to this incident. The incident stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication and competence of airline professionals who prioritize passenger safety above all else.

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