Off-Duty Pilot Attempted to Cut Jet Engines Mid-Flight, Audio Reveals

Newly released audio captures the tense moments before an off-duty pilot allegedly tried to shut down a commercial jet's engines during a flight. The incident occurred on a Horizon Air flight from Washington to San Francisco. In the audio, a flight attendant can be heard alerting the cockpit to a problem in the cabin. The warning is about an unauthorized person in the jump seat, a spare seat in the cockpit. That person was an off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot, later identified as Joseph Emerson. Authorities say Emerson, who was riding in the jump seat, attempted to activate the engine fire suppression system. This system would have cut fuel to the engines. The pilots were able to stop him and regain control. They diverted the plane to Portland, Oregon, where Emerson was arrested. Court documents state Emerson told police he had taken psychedelic mushrooms. He said he believed he was having a nervous breakdown and wanted to "wake up." He has been charged with 83 counts of attempted murder. Alaska Airlines said the quick response of the crew ensured safety. The flight landed without injury to passengers or crew.