Horizon Airlines flight to San Francisco with 70 passengers on board had to divert to Portland after person ‘authorized’ to ride in cockpit tried to switch off jet’s ENGINES

Pilots aboard a regional jet diverted their flight to Portland after someone who reportedly had permission to ride in the cockpit tried to shut down the engines.

The Alaska Airlines flight, operated by a subsidiary, landed safely on Oregon’s northwest runway on Sunday after the safety incident, CNBC said.

After departing from Everett in the Seattle suburbs, the plane was scheduled to land in San Francisco, but was forced to stop short of its planned destination due to what the airline described as a “credible security threat.”

“On October 22, Alaska Airlines Flight 2059, operated by Horizon Air from Everett, WA (PAE) to San Francisco, CA (SFO), reported a credible safety threat associated with an authorized occupant in the cockpit jump seat,” Alaska said Airlines. .

“The crew secured the aircraft without incident.

“We are grateful for the professional handling of the situation by the Horizon flight crew and appreciate the calmness and patience of our guests during this event.”

The person responsible sat in the seat next to the pilot in the cockpit. They have not been identified and it is unclear whether they were another pilot or a passenger, and what prompted their action.

Live air traffic audio appears to show a pilot describing the person as “subdued” after the incident, indicating a struggle took place.

“We have the guy who tried to shut down the engines from the cockpit and he doesn’t sound like he’s causing any problem in the back at this time. I think he’s subdued,” one pilot told air traffic controllers. sound recorded by Live ATC.

“We want law enforcement as soon as we get on the ground and parked.”

Police in Alaska are investigating. This is an unfolding news story.