A flight from Deadhorse, Alaska, to Anchorage turned into a scene of panic and swift action last Wednesday when a passenger allegedly tried to open an emergency cabin door while the plane was in the air.
Chaos at 30,000 Feet: The Incident Unfolds
According to an FBI affidavit, Kassian William Fredericks was on board Alaska Airlines Flight 87 when his behaviour became erratic. The situation escalated when another passenger, returning from the bathroom, found Fredericks "aggressively trying to open the rear cabin door." The quick-thinking passenger immediately rushed over and grabbed him.
By that time, Fredericks had already managed to lift the door's armrest upward. During the struggle, he was reportedly shaking and made several alarming statements. He told the passenger restraining him, "I need to call my mom," asked for a cigarette, and questioned, "How do I break the window? I don't know how to break it." He later explained he needed air and to get out.
Bizarre Statements and a Mysterious Pill
Prior to the door incident, other travellers had noticed Fredericks acting strangely. One passenger who later helped restrain him heard Fredericks yell, "Stop the plane, stop the plane," while turning his head toward the aircraft.
When asked if he was okay, Fredericks gave a chilling response. He claimed, "They're flying the plane from back here," and clarified, "No, they're invisible. They're trying to take over the plane. You got to stop them." The passenger then saw Fredericks take a pill with a sip of Gatorade, an action he hoped would calm him but instead preceded more extreme behaviour.
Flight crew told authorities they did not believe Fredericks was intoxicated but had noted he was acting "weird and off." They considered using zip ties to restrain him but feared it might escalate the situation further.
Arrest, Banishment, and Serious Charges
The pilot contacted ground control, which alerted the FBI. Upon landing safely in Anchorage, law enforcement escorted Fredericks off the aircraft. The affidavit notes he apologised to the crew and seemed calmer during his removal.
Later, at a hospital, a police officer overheard Fredericks tell a doctor he had been drinking alcohol for nine to ten days, was experiencing hallucinations, and could not remember the past two years of his life. He also stated he was taking the prescription drug Trazodone for depression, anxiety, and insomnia.
In a firm response, Alaska Airlines has banned Fredericks from future flights with the carrier. The airline thanked its crew for their professionalism and apologised to other passengers for the distress caused.
Kassian William Fredericks has been arrested and charged with interference with flight crew members. If convicted, he faces a staggering maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
