Three passengers have filed a lawsuit against Alaska Airlines, alleging emotional distress resulting from an incident involving an off-duty pilot last month. The pilot, Joseph David Emerson, is accused of attempting to shut down the engines of a plane while riding in the cockpit from Washington state to San Francisco. The plaintiffs, Matthew Doland, Theresa Stelter, and Paul Stephen, claim that the pilot should not have been allowed in the cockpit due to his reported depression and lack of sleep.
According to charging documents, Emerson, 44, was in the jump seat of Flight 2059, operated by Alaska affiliate Horizon Air, when he suddenly expressed distress and attempted to engage a fire-suppression system and cut fuel to the engines. The pilots quickly subdued Emerson, and the flight was safely diverted to Portland, Oregon. Emerson has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder charges in Oregon state court and faces arraignment on a federal charge of interfering with a flight crew later this month.
The plaintiffs in the lawsuit allege that they have experienced anxiety, insomnia, fear of flying, and other emotional effects as a result of the incident. They seek class-action status on behalf of other passengers and claim that the airline failed to uphold its duty of care by allowing Emerson in the cockpit. The lawsuit argues that airlines should take steps to ensure that pilots are rested, sober, and in the right state of mind before each flight.
Alaska Airlines has stated that it is reviewing the complaint and expressed pride and gratitude for the actions of the pilots and flight attendants who ensured the safety of all onboard Flight 2059.
