A chilling incident occurred aboard an Alaska Airlines flight, leaving many onboard shaken. The flight, Alaska Airlines Flight 87, was en route from Deadhorse to Anchorage when a passenger’s alarming behavior sparked panic among those present.
Kassian William Fredericks, the passenger in question, allegedly attempted to open a rear cabin door while the plane was still in the air. Court documents reveal that another traveler, just back from the restroom, saw Fredericks tugging aggressively on the door handle. The passenger acted quickly, grabbing Fredericks and preventing what could have been a disastrous outcome. Two other men joined in to subdue Fredericks, forcing him back to his seat.
Witnesses reported that Fredericks was agitated throughout the flight. At one point, he shouted “Stop the plane!” expressing clear distress. As chaos unfolded, he made disturbing claims about invisible people attempting to take control of the aircraft. During the flight, a passenger observed Fredericks swallow a pill and wash it down with Gatorade, attempting to calm his nerves. Instead, his behavior worsened, amplifying concerns for the safety of everyone on board.
The flight crew soon received alerts from the cockpit indicating potential tampering with the rear cabin door. While the likelihood of opening an aircraft door mid-flight is incredibly low due to air pressure, the disturbance could potentially trigger an emergency slide. This prompted the pilot to contact ground officials and notify the FBI, ensuring they were prepared for an incident upon landing.
After landing safely in Anchorage, Fredericks was escorted off the aircraft by law enforcement. Reports indicate that he appeared calmer than he had during the flight. At the hospital, he disclosed to medical personnel that he had been drinking heavily for several days, contributing to his erratic behavior. Fredericks now faces serious legal repercussions, specifically charges of interference with flight crew members and attendants. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison.
In the wake of this incident, Alaska Airlines confirmed that Fredericks has been permanently banned from flying with them. This case highlights the importance of maintaining order and safety in aviation, as quick actions by fellow passengers likely prevented a much more serious situation.
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