What's happened
Kassian Fredericks, a passenger on Alaska Airlines Flight 87 from Deadhorse to Anchorage, tried to open an emergency exit mid-flight. Passengers restrained him, and he was arrested upon landing. He faces charges of interference with a flight crew, with potential prison time. The incident occurred last Wednesday.
What's behind the headline?
The incident highlights the persistent risks of onboard disturbances, especially involving mental health and substance use. Despite the physical impossibility of opening a high-altitude aircraft door, the threat of accidental deployment of emergency slides remains significant. The airline's response, including banning Fredericks and involving law enforcement, underscores the importance of swift intervention. This event also raises questions about mental health support for travelers and the adequacy of onboard security measures. The fact that Fredericks was reportedly intoxicated or under the influence of medication suggests a need for better screening or intervention protocols for passengers showing signs of distress. The incident could lead to stricter regulations or training for crew members to handle similar situations more effectively in the future.
What the papers say
The coverage from Business Insider UK, NY Post, and The Independent presents a consistent narrative: Fredericks' erratic behavior and attempt to open the aircraft door caused a security scare. The NY Post emphasizes his attempts to call his mother and questions about breaking windows, while The Independent highlights his paranoid statements about invisible forces. All sources agree that Fredericks was restrained by passengers and law enforcement, and faces serious charges. The NY Post notes his alcohol and medication use, adding context to his mental state. The Independent comments on the potential severity if passengers hadn't been larger and stronger, emphasizing the importance of onboard passenger assistance. The sources collectively portray a situation that, while physically impossible to open the door at altitude, posed a real threat due to his behavior and intent, prompting airline and law enforcement action.
How we got here
The incident happened during a short flight from Deadhorse, Alaska, to Anchorage. Prior to the event, Fredericks was overheard making paranoid statements about invisible forces trying to take over the plane. The flight crew noticed his erratic behavior, including taking a pill and asking about breaking windows, which led to concerns about his mental state and safety onboard.
Go deeper
Common question
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What Happens When Passengers Try to Open Plane Doors Mid-Flight?
Incidents involving passengers attempting to open aircraft doors during a flight are rare but serious. Such actions can cause security scares and legal consequences, even if physically impossible at altitude. Curious about what actually happens during these events, how they are handled onboard, and what laws apply? Below, we answer common questions about air travel security incidents like these and explore how airlines and authorities respond to ensure passenger safety.
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Alaska Airlines is a major American airline headquartered in SeaTac, Washington, within the Seattle metropolitan area. It is the fifth largest airline in the United States when measured by fleet size, scheduled passengers carried, and the number of destin
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The Federal Bureau of Investigation is the domestic intelligence and security service of the United States and its principal federal law enforcement agency.
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Anchorage is a unified home rule municipality in the U.S. state of Alaska, on the West Coast of the United States. With an estimated 288,000 residents in 2019, it is Alaska's most populous city and contains 39.37% of the state's population; among the 50 s