Off-duty pilot accused of trying to shut down engines on passenger flight

A worker cleans a jet bridge at Paine Field in Everett, Wash., before passengers board an Alaska Airlines flight on March 4, 2019. [File,VOA]

An off-duty pilot riding in the extra seat in the cockpit of a Horizon Air passenger jet tried to shut down the engines mid-flight and had to be subdued by the crew, a pilot flying the plane told air traffic controllers.

Authorities in Oregon identified the man as Joseph David Emerson, 44. He was being held Monday on 83 counts each of attempted murder and reckless endangerment and one count of endangering an aircraft, according to the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office.