Former Alaska Airlines pilot Joseph Emerson has revealed shocking details about his terrifying mid-air scare last October. In newly released audio and video footage, the off-duty pilot is heard desperately trying to shut down the engines of a passenger plane, putting the lives of 83 people in jeopardy.
The disturbing recordings show Emerson's frantic attempts to disable the aircraft's engines just hours after taking off from Seattle. As the Boeing 737-800 soared through the skies, Emerson became increasingly agitated, his voice rising with panic as he frantically worked the controls.
"It's not my plane," Emerson is heard saying in the audio. "I'm not going to start it up." However, despite his protests, the engines remained online and the aircraft continued on its trajectory.
Air traffic control officials were alerted to Emerson's behavior and quickly took control of the situation. In a tense standoff, they managed to calm Emerson down and persuade him to return the plane to its intended route.
The harrowing incident has raised serious questions about Emerson's mental fitness to fly an aircraft, prompting Alaska Airlines to launch an investigation into his actions. Authorities have also charged Emerson with reckless endangerment of life after he allegedly put the lives of over 80 passengers in grave danger.
As authorities continue to probe the circumstances surrounding the terrifying mid-air scare, one thing is clear: Joseph Emerson's actions on that fateful day will be remembered for a long time to come.
The disturbing recordings show Emerson's frantic attempts to disable the aircraft's engines just hours after taking off from Seattle. As the Boeing 737-800 soared through the skies, Emerson became increasingly agitated, his voice rising with panic as he frantically worked the controls.
"It's not my plane," Emerson is heard saying in the audio. "I'm not going to start it up." However, despite his protests, the engines remained online and the aircraft continued on its trajectory.
Air traffic control officials were alerted to Emerson's behavior and quickly took control of the situation. In a tense standoff, they managed to calm Emerson down and persuade him to return the plane to its intended route.
The harrowing incident has raised serious questions about Emerson's mental fitness to fly an aircraft, prompting Alaska Airlines to launch an investigation into his actions. Authorities have also charged Emerson with reckless endangerment of life after he allegedly put the lives of over 80 passengers in grave danger.
As authorities continue to probe the circumstances surrounding the terrifying mid-air scare, one thing is clear: Joseph Emerson's actions on that fateful day will be remembered for a long time to come.
I mean, what's next? Is this gonna be a reality TV show where we get to watch pilots freak out mid-flight and see how the system handles it? 
I'm not saying Emerson wasn't doing his job right, but seriously, has no one ever seen someone trying to shut down an engine in mid-air before? 
It's like something straight outta a Bond movie... minus the cool spy stuff. 
Anyway, hope everyone on that plane is okay! Fingers crossed the mental health resources will be used to help Emerson, not just punish him. 
! Can you imagine being in the middle of a flight and your own pilot is freaking out? I mean, I know it's one thing watching something like this happen on TV or online but actually hearing the guy's voice and feeling that sense of panic is a whole different story. It's wild how quickly air traffic control stepped in to defuse the situation too - I guess you have to be prepared for anything when dealing with the lives of hundreds of people 
...
I mean, I've heard of pilots having bad days before, but this is insane! 
The thought of being on that plane and not knowing if it was safe is just terrifying.
It sounds like he just lost it in the moment and didn't know what to do. Either way, glad no one got hurt (so far), but I'm definitely keeping an eye on this story to see how it all plays out! 
how did he even get away with that?! Alaska airlines gotta do a thorough background check on all pilots now, thats for sure! 
my heart is still racing just listening to this audio 
but seriously though what was going through his mind? did he have some kind of emergency or something? 
.
. I mean, what was going on with Emerson's head at that moment? Was he stressed or something? 
. They must have been so scared 
.
It's like something out of a movie... but it's real life! 
And to think he was supposed to be in charge of flying that plane? 
Not on my watch, bro! 
Justice will be served! 
. and yeah, it's gotta be pretty tough on the passengers who were there... can only imagine 
.
Anyway, I hope everyone on that plane is okay 
and that the pilot gets help ASAP 
. This whole thing just gives me chills 
. I mean, can you imagine being in the passenger seat of that plane and having no idea what was going on with the pilot? It's like a nightmare come true. But at the same time, I feel kinda bad for Emerson too - he seems really out of it and not thinking clearly during that flight. It's like, what led him to this point? Was he under a lot of stress or pressure before taking off? And now we're left wondering if he was just having a mental breakdown or something more serious... 
was he stressed or did he have some kinda medical emergency? i mean, who tries to shut down an engine in the air? that's just insane! how do you even manage to do something so reckless without anyone noticing till it's too late? Alaska airlines gotta take responsibility here and get to the bottom of what really happened... this whole thing is giving me major anxiety 
... and 83 people are lucky to be alive? It's just... ugh, what happened to this guy, bro?