Alaska Airlines Passenger Charged After Trying to Open Cabin Door Midflight

A passenger on an Alaska Airlines flight has been federally charged after allegedly attempting to open the aircraft’s cabin door during flight, prompting other passengers to restrain him amid fears for onboard safety.

According to a criminal complaint obtained by FOX Television Stations, the incident occurred on December 10 aboard Alaska Airlines Flight 87, operating from Deadhorse to Anchorage. Authorities allege that Kassian William Fredericks repeatedly tried to open the aircraft door while the plane was in the air.

One passenger told investigators that Fredericks was seen making multiple attempts to access the door, causing nearby passengers to intervene and physically restrain him. A witness identified as M.P. said Fredericks began shouting, “Stop the plane, stop the plane,” while anxiously looking toward the rear of the aircraft.

When asked if he was okay, Fredericks reportedly claimed that the plane was being flown from the back. He told the witness that “invisible” individuals were attempting to take control of the aircraft and insisted they needed to be stopped.

M.P. later observed Fredericks place a pill in his mouth and wash it down with Gatorade. Initially believing the medication might calm him, the witness instead said Fredericks’ behavior became increasingly erratic. Fredericks later told the passenger that he was overdosing, though M.P. believed he was experiencing the effects of drugs and described him as “tripping.”

As the flight continued, cabin crew closely monitored Fredericks as his agitation escalated. Flight attendants instructed nearby passengers to remain alert and report any changes in his behavior while continuing routine in-flight service.

At one point, Fredericks made a particularly alarming statement, saying, “The wings have disappeared. We’re all going to die.” A flight attendant immediately notified the flight deck, prompting further action by the crew.

The aircraft landed safely in Anchorage, where Fredericks was taken for medical evaluation. While receiving care at Providence Hospital, he reportedly made additional statements that raised concerns about his mental and physical condition. An Anchorage Police Department officer overheard Fredericks tell medical staff that he had been consuming alcohol continuously for nine to ten days. He also reported experiencing visual and auditory hallucinations and said he could not remember the previous two years of his life.

Federal prosecutors have charged Fredericks with interfering with the performance of flight crew members and lessening their ability to perform their duties by intimidating or threatening behavior. If convicted, he faces a potential fine and up to 20 years in prison.

The case underscores ongoing concerns about in-flight safety and the challenges airlines and crews face when dealing with disruptive or impaired passengers at altitude.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, livenowfox.com