When a rogue pilot tried to shut down both engines of flight at 31,000 feet. Here's what happened next

As the investigation into the Air India Ahmedabad crash intensifies, with reports now suggesting that investigators are focusing on the actions of the flight’s captain, the aviation world is once again reminded of how critical decisions made in the cockpit can change the course of a flight in an instant.

Long before the Ahmedabad tragedy, in an Alaska Airlines Flight 2059 in October 2023, an off-duty pilot sitting in the cockpit jump seat attempted to disable both engines mid-air, putting dozens of lives at risk.

The Alaska Airlines Flight 2059 Incident: A Deadly Decision Averted

The incident occurred on October 22, 2023, during a Horizon Air-operated flight from Everett, Washington to San Francisco, California. The aircraft, an Embraer 175, was cruising at 31,000 feet with 84 people on board, including the crew. Seated in the cockpit jump seat was Captain Joseph David Emerson, an off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot. Without warning, Emerson reached for the engine fire suppression controls—known as T-handles—attempting to shut off the fuel supply to both engines. If successful, the move would have caused a dual flameout.



Thanks to the quick reaction of the on-duty pilots, the fire suppression system was immediately reset and Emerson was physically removed from the cockpit. The flight crew then diverted the aircraft safely to Portland International Airport, where Emerson was taken into custody. According to airline officials, engine power was not lost during the incident due to the timely response of the flight crew, who successfully secured the aircraft before the situation escalated further.


In an official statement, Alaska Airlines confirmed that the flight had faced a credible security threat involving the off-duty pilot, who was traveling in the cockpit jump seat. The airline praised the Horizon captain and first officer for their swift response in handling a highly unusual and potentially catastrophic situation.


Captain Emerson had been with Alaska Air Group for over two decades. He began his career with Horizon Air in 2001, later joining Virgin America in 2012 before becoming part of Alaska Airlines following its acquisition of Virgin in 2016. He was promoted to captain in 2019. Throughout his career, he maintained all required FAA medical certifications and had no history of suspension or revocation.


However, following the incident, troubling details emerged from court documents and witness testimonies. Emerson told police he had not slept for approximately 40 hours, felt dehydrated and exhausted, and had been experiencing depression for about six months. He admitted to having taken psychedelic mushrooms for the first time roughly two days prior to the flight. He said he believed he was dreaming when he pulled the fire handles and wanted to “wake up.”

Witnesses, including flight attendants and the on-duty pilots, described how Emerson initially said several times that he was not feeling okay before throwing his headset across the cockpit and pulling down both fire handles. The two pilots managed to subdue him after about 25 to 30 seconds of physical struggle. Around 90 seconds passed between Emerson’s first “I’m not okay” and his removal from the cockpit. After being handcuffed by the cabin crew, Emerson reportedly told them he had just endangered the lives of 84 people, including his own. He was later seen using his phone to text a similar message.

Through his attorney, Emerson pleaded not guilty to all federal charges, including 83 counts of attempted murder. He was released on a $50,000 bond in December 2023 and returned to his home in California.