Disturbed Passenger Attempts to Shut Down Engines Midflight

A disturbing incident occurred aboard a Horizon Air passenger jet when a pilot in the extra seat in the cockpit attempted to shut down the engines midflight. The two pilots on board had to take immediate action to subdue the unruly individual.

Alaska Airlines, the parent company of Horizon Air, confirmed that no weapons were involved. In their statement, they indicated that the flight crew promptly reported the security concern related to the individual in question.

This incident took place on a Horizon Air flight that departed from Everett, Washington at 5:23 p.m. local time and reached Portland approximately an hour later.

According to audio captured by LiveATC.com, one of the pilots informed air traffic controllers that the threat had been successfully removed from the cockpit. The pilot stated, "We've got the guy that tried to shut the engines down out of the cockpit. And he - doesn't sound like he's causing any issue in the back right now, and I think he's subdued." Additionally, the pilots requested law enforcement presence upon landing.

The disturbing event unfolded on an Embraer 175 plane with a seating capacity of 76 passengers. Alaska Airlines has not yet disclosed the exact number of passengers on board at the time.

Typically, the jump seat is occupied by an off-duty pilot, but it can also be utilized by other airline personnel or federal safety inspectors.