Lawsuit Filed Against Alaska Airlines After Off-Duty Pilot Attempts to Cut Engines Mid-Flight

Three passengers have filed a class action lawsuit against Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air after an off-duty pilot, Joseph David Emerson, allegedly attempted to shut down the engines mid-flight and open an emergency exit door while suffering from depression and lack of sleep. The passengers claim that the pilot should not have been allowed in the cockpit and that the airline failed to properly screen him. The incident forced the plane to divert to Portland, and the passengers have experienced emotional effects such as anxiety and insomnia. Alaska Airlines is reviewing the complaint, and Emerson is facing charges of attempted murder and interfering with a flight crew.