Off-duty pilot tried to shut down engines on plane: airline

An off-duty pilot is facing 83 counts of attempted murder after trying to shut down the engines on an Alaska Airlines flight Sunday, officials said.

The San Francisco-bound flight had departed Everett, Washington, and was forced to divert to Portland, Oregon. The off-duty pilot, identified by the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office as Joseph Emerson, 44, was charged with 83 counts of attempted murder, 83 counts of reckless endangerment and one count of endangering an aircraft. No injuries were reported.

Alaska Airlines said in a statement that Emerson "attempted to disrupt the operation of the engines."

The FBI's Portland office said one person was in state custody in connection with the matter, which took place aboard Alaska Airlines Flight 2059. The FBI said the pilot was able to safely land the plane at Portland International Airport about 6:25 p.m. local time Sunday.

Authorities said the off-duty pilot had been in the jump seat, an additional seat in the flight deck typically reserved for employees of the Federal Aviation Administration or the airline.

"The FBI is investigating and can assure the traveling public there is no continuing threat related to this incident," Kieran L. Ramsey, special agent in charge of the FBI's Portland division, said in a statement.

Airline officials said the flight's captain and first officer quickly responded, engine power was not lost and the crew secured the aircraft without incident. The flight was operated by Horizon Air, which runs regional flights for Alaska Airlines.

"We are grateful for the professional handling of this situation by the Horizon flight crew and appreciate our guests' calm and patience throughout this event," Alaska Airlines said in a statement.

Emerson received his most recent medical exam in September, according to an FAA database. His most recent airline transport pilot's certificate was issued in July. The FAA requires pilots to undergo a medical examination every six months to five years, depending on their age and type of flying they perform.

The FAA said it is working with Alaska Airlines and Horizon while supporting the law enforcement investigation.

In a post on social media, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said, "I am grateful for the professional flight crew and air traffic controllers who stepped up to guide this plane safely to Portland. FAA supports law enforcement in their response and will be focused on any safety considerations for the future that emerge from investigations."