New audio from the flight that was almost taken down by an off-duty pilot details the terrifying incident — and it reveals a huge understatement from the flight’s actual pilot … who described the guy as going “overboard.”
The recording starts not long after 44-year-old Alaska Airlines pilot Joseph Emerson allegedly tried to shut off the engines aboard the Horizon Airlines jet. Emerson was traveling in a jump seat in the cockpit as a courtesy — the same company manages Horizon and Alaska Airlines.
You can hear a pilot saying they got Emerson out of the cockpit and into the back where he was subdued … asking for law enforcement to meet them instantly when they land in Portland, where the plane was diverted after Emerson’s actions.
The pilot tells air traffic control Emerson was handcuffed and has calmed down a bit from his original outburst, but also says the threat level was initially a 4, which is the highest … often signifying a breach of the cockpit.
As we reported, Emerson was arrested and booked Monday on 83 counts of attempted murder, for each person aboard the plane, 83 counts of reckless endangerment and endangering an aircraft. The flight was bound from Everett, WA to San Francisco.
Cops say he tried taking the plane down by pulling levers that would have initiated an emergency shutdown of the engines … but the captain and first officer were able to stop him.
The incident involving the Alaska Airlines pilot Joseph Emerson has sent shockwaves through the aviation industry. The audio recording from the flight captures the fear and chaos that ensued during the incident, leaving passengers and crew members traumatized.
The recording begins shortly after Emerson allegedly attempted to shut off the engines of the Horizon Airlines jet. Emerson, who was traveling in a jump seat in the cockpit, was initially seen as a courteous presence. However, his actions quickly turned alarming as he embarked on a dangerous mission to take down the plane.
The audio reveals the rapid response of the flight crew as they removed Emerson from the cockpit and subdued him in the back of the aircraft. The pilot urgently requests for law enforcement to meet them as soon as they land in Portland, the emergency diversion point due to Emerson’s actions.
The pilot’s voice portrays a sense of urgency and disbelief, describing Emerson’s behavior as “overboard.” The threat level of the situation was initially recorded as a 4, the highest level, signaling a breach of the cockpit and potential danger to the lives of everyone on board.
Emerson’s attempt to disable the engines by pulling levers would have led to an emergency shutdown, jeopardizing the safety of the aircraft. Fortunately, the quick thinking and determination of the captain and first officer prevented a catastrophe.
The aftermath of the incident has led to charges of attempted murder, reckless endangerment, and endangering an aircraft for each person aboard the plane. Emerson now faces a daunting number of charges, highlighting the severity of his actions and the potential harm he could have caused.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of rigorous screening processes for airline personnel, ensuring that those entrusted with the safety of passengers and aircraft are mentally and emotionally fit for their roles. It also underscores the need for improved security measures to prevent unauthorized access to the cockpit and potential acts of sabotage.
Passengers and crew members who experienced the terrifying ordeal are likely to face long-lasting emotional and psychological effects. The airline industry must prioritize the well-being and support of those affected, offering counseling and resources to help them recover from the traumatic experience.
This incident also raises questions about the overall safety of air travel and the measures in place to prevent similar incidents in the future. The aviation industry must continuously evaluate and enhance security protocols to maintain the trust and confidence of passengers.
As the investigation into the incident continues, it is crucial to learn from this harrowing experience and implement necessary changes to prevent such incidents from occurring again. The safety and security of passengers should always be the top priority in the aviation industry, and every effort must be made to maintain the highest level of protection.
In conclusion, the audio recording from the incident involving Alaska Airlines pilot Joseph Emerson provides a chilling account of a potentially catastrophic event. The swift actions of the flight crew prevented a disaster, but it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of robust security measures and mental health evaluations for airline personnel. The impact of this incident on passengers and crew members should not be underestimated, and support systems must be in place to aid their recovery. Ultimately, the aviation industry must learn from this incident and take proactive steps to enhance safety and security in air travel.
