Pilot arrested, charged over attempt to shut plane engine off mid-air

A pilot, Joseph D. Emerson, has been arrested and charged with 83 counts of attempted murder after he tried to shut off the engine of a plane mid-flight.

It was gathered that Emerson sat in a jump seat, a seat usually reserved for pilots and airline staff members when a flight is oversold.

Emerson attempted to shut off the engine of the plane, which could have caused a fatal crash.

However, the pilot and the first officer were able to stop him in time and prevent him from causing any harm.

They diverted the flight to the Portland airport, where Emerson was arrested by law enforcement.

The flight had 80 passengers and three crew members on board.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), said that Emerson’s motive for his action is still under investigation, but it is not related to any current world events or terrorism.

The FAA also said that Emerson had a valid pilot license and was employed by another airline.

Emerson has been charged with 83 counts of attempted murder, one for each person on the plane. He is currently being held at the Multnomah County Jail without bail.

He is expected to appear in court on Wednesday, October 25, 2023.