An Off-Duty Pilot Attempted To Cut Off Fuel To Plane Engines Mid-Flight

The suspect faces 83 felony counts of attempted murder, 83 counts of reckless endangerment and one count of endangering an aircraft.

An off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot is facing charges after an incident occurred on Sunday.

44-year-old Joseph Emerson was riding in the cockpit of a flight en route from Washington state to San Francisco. He allegedly attempted to cut off fuel to the engines, but the quick action of the aircraft’s captain and first officer kept the engines from failing completely.

Emerson was restrained by the flight crew and the plane was forced to land in Oregon where the suspect was taken into custody. He is now being held without bail and faces 83 felony counts of attempted murder, 83 counts of reckless endangerment and one count of endangering an aircraft.

Authorities believe the incident was an act of terrorism or ideologically motivated violence. Investigators believe it could have been the result of a mental health episode. Emerson is set to appear in court on Tuesday and he could face additional federal charges.