Overview
- Prosecutors charged Kassian William Fredericks, 36, with interference with flight crew after an incident on Alaska Airlines Flight 87 from Deadhorse to Anchorage on Dec. 10.
- He allegedly lifted the rear door’s arm at just over 18,000 feet before fellow passengers pinned him to a seat, according to the affidavit.
- Flight attendants weighed using zip ties and the captain considered diverting to Fairbanks, classifying a Level 2 threat, but the flight continued to Anchorage about 18 minutes away.
- Crew noted a door-warning light and cited concern that manipulation of the handle could trigger an emergency slide to inflate inside the cabin.
- After landing, Fredericks was evaluated at a hospital where an officer overheard him say he had been drinking for nine to ten days and was taking Trazodone; he was later arrested and banned by the airline.