Travelers wait to check-in at the Alaska Airlines counter at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in San Francisco, California.
David Paul Morris | Bloomberg | Getty Images
An Alaska Airlines flight operated by a subsidiary diverted to Portland International Airport in Oregon on Sunday after an off-duty Alaska pilot tried to interfere with engines, the carrier said Monday.
Pilots regularly pick up jump seats in the cockpit to commute.
“The jump seat occupant unsuccessfully attempted to disrupt the operation of the engines,” Alaska Airlines said in a statement. “The Horizon Captain and First Officer quickly responded, engine power was not lost, and the crew secured the aircraft without incident.”
The FBI and Port of Portland police are investigating the incident, Alaska said. The pilot is in custody.
The pilots’ union didn’t immediately comment.
“We are grateful for the professional handling of the situation by the Horizon flight crew and appreciate our guests’ calm and patience throughout this event,” Alaska Airlines said.
