SAN FRANCISCO: An off-duty pilot was arrested for trying to shut down the engines of a plane en route from Washington to San Francisco. The arrested has been identified as Joseph David Emerson, a pilot of Alaska Airlines. The incident happened on Sunday.

Emerson boarded the flight as a passenger. Off-duty pilots can travel in the cockpit with the consent of the flight captain. After entering the cockpit, Emerson tried to shut down the flight's engines. However, the flight crew acted swiftly and neutralised the threat. They then quickly handcuffed Emerson to a seat. Following this, the flight made an unscheduled landing in Portland. Upon landing, Emerson was handed over to the police.

The arrested pilot has been charged with attempted murder. There were 83 people on board.