Pilot transforms into ‘credible security threat’ by attempting to hijack US aircraft.
Pilot Turns Into ‘Credible Security Threat’ After Allegedly Trying to Seize Aircraft Over US
A pilot riding in the extra seat in the cockpit of a Horizon Air passenger jet attempted to shut down the engines in midflight and had to be subdued by the two pilots.
Authorities in Portland identified the man as Joseph David Emerson, 44. He was being held Monday on dozens of counts of attempted murder and reckless endangerment, according to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office in Oregon.
The San Francisco-bound flight on Sunday diverted to Portland, Oregon, where it was met by law enforcement officers.
Alaska Airlines, which owns Horizon, said Monday that the crew reported “a credible security threat related to an authorized occupant in the flight deck jump seat.” The airline said in a statement that no weapons were involved.
The incident happened on a Horizon Air flight that left Everett, Washington, at 5:23 p.m. local time and landed in Portland an hour later.
One of the pilots told air traffic controllers that the man who posed the threat had been removed from the cockpit.
“We’ve got the guy that tried to shut the engines down out of the cockpit. And he — doesn’t sound like he’s causing any issue in the back right now, and I think he’s subdued,” one of the pilots said on audio captured by LiveATC.com. “Other than that, we want law enforcement as soon as we get on the ground and parked.”
The incident occurred on a 76-seat Embraer 175 plane. Alaska Airlines did not immediately say how many passengers were on board.
When the jump seat, a third seat in the cockpit, is occupied it’s often filled by an off-duty pilot, but the seat can be used by other airline employees or federal safety inspectors.
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
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How can the screening process for pilots be strengthened to prevent individuals with malicious intent from entering the cockpit?
//www.nytimes.com/2022/01/03/us/pilot-flight-threat.html” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>Oregon after the alarming incident which caused panic and confusion among the passengers on board.
According to reports, Emerson allegedly entered the cockpit through the boarding door and demanded to take control of the aircraft. The two pilots on the flight quickly realized the severity of the situation as Emerson attempted to shut down the engines while the plane was still in midflight. Swift action was taken by the pilots to subdue Emerson and regain control of the aircraft, averting a potential disaster.
The reasons behind Emerson’s actions are still unclear. Authorities are currently investigating his background and any potential motives for his attempt to seize the aircraft. The incident has raised concerns about airline security and the possibility of a similar occurrence happening in the future.
Passengers on board the flight recounted their terrifying experience. One passenger, Sarah Thompson, described the moment Emerson entered the cockpit as “absolutely surreal” and said the entire cabin was filled with panic and fear. She applauded the pilots for their quick thinking and actions that prevented a tragic outcome.
The incident has also sparked a debate about the security measures in place on commercial flights. While stringent security protocols are implemented for passengers, the incident highlights the vulnerability that exists in the cockpit. It prompts a reassessment of how security can be enhanced to prevent unauthorized access and potential threats from individuals such as Emerson.
Aviation experts suggest that measures such as increased cockpit security, stricter screening of pilots, and improved psychological evaluations could help minimize the risk of such incidents occurring in the future. The incident serves as a reminder that constant vigilance and ongoing assessment of security measures are essential in ensuring the safety of passengers and crew.
Emerson now faces multiple charges, including attempted murder and reckless endangerment. Authorities are expected to thoroughly investigate his background, mental health, and any possible links to domestic or international terrorism. The outcome of this investigation will likely have significant implications for aviation security and the strategies employed to prevent similar incidents in the future.
In conclusion, the attempted seizure of an aircraft by a pilot has demonstrated the potential security risks that exist within the aviation industry. This incident calls for an immediate review of existing security protocols and the implementation of stricter measures to prevent unauthorized access to the cockpit. The safety and well-being of passengers and crew should always remain a top priority, and the lessons learned from this incident should guide future enhancements in airline security.
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