3 passengers sue Alaska Airlines after off-duty pilot accused of trying to cut engines mid-flight

SEATTLE — Three passengers sued Alaska Airlines on Thursday, saying they suffered emotional distress from an incident last month in which an off-duty pilot is accused of trying to shut down the engines of a plane while catching a ride in the cockpit from Everett to San Francisco.

In the complaint filed Thursday in King County Superior Court, San Francisco residents Matthew Doland and Theresa Stelter and Paul Stephen of Kenmore alleged that the pilot should never have been allowed in the cockpit because he was suffering from depression and a lack of sleep.

Alaska Airlines said in an emailed statement that it is reviewing the complaint. “The pilots and flight attendants operating Flight 2059 responded without hesitation to ensure the safety of all onboard,” it added. “We are incredibly proud and grateful for their skilled actions.”

Alaska pilot Joseph David Emerson, 44, was riding in the jump seat — an extra seat in the cockpit — when he suddenly said “I’m not OK” and tried to pull two handles that would engage a fire-suppression system and cut fuel to the engines, authorities said in charging documents.

https://www.heraldnet.com/northwest/3-passengers-sue-alaska-airlines-after-off-duty-pilot-accused-of-trying-to-cut-engines-mid-flight/