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Tag: fox-news/travel/general/airlines

  • 'Systemic negligence' alleged by airlines, as victims' families file first suit in DC plane crash

    'Systemic negligence' alleged by airlines, as victims' families file first suit in DC plane crash

    The family of Casey Crafton has filed the first lawsuit over the American Eagle Flight 5342 crash in the Potomac River near Washington, D.C., alleging the disaster was avoidable and caused by systemic negligence.

    The Jan. 29 crash involved an Army Black Hawk helicopter that collided midair with an American Airlines passenger plane near Ronald Reagan Washington International Airport, killing 64 people on the American Eagle flight and three aboard the military helicopter.

    The federal lawsuit was filed on behalf of Casey Crafton’s estate, with his wife Rachel and family leading the legal action.

    “Our lives were shattered in a moment,” said Dailey Crafton, Crafton’s brother. “Casey was betrayed by systemic disregard for safety. We cannot stand by and allow his life to be lost in vain.”

    MILITARY HELICOPTER CRASHES IN WASHINGTON STATE NEAR JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD

    The lawsuit accuses American Airlines and PSA Airlines of negligence in operations, training, and knowingly allowing dangerous conditions at DCA, noting the crash was predictable and preventable.

    American Airlines allegedly ignored repeated near misses and congestion data, prioritizing profit over safety, according to attorneys.

    “The crash of American Eagle 5342 was predictable, preventable, and caused the needless loss of 67 lives,” said attorney Robert Clifford. “… American ran red lights for years by allowing these planes to operate in congested, unsafe conditions.”

    ARMY HELICOPTER THAT CRASHED WITH COMMERCIAL PLANE IN DC WAS FLYING ABOVE ALTITUDE LIMIT: NTSB

    Action will also be brought against the U.S. government, encompassing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the U.S. Army, for systemic failures in oversight, air traffic control and military helicopter procedures.

    Attorneys said the FAA failed to provide safe air traffic control and allowed unsafe operational environments, while the Army helicopter crew failed to follow basic “see and avoid” flight principles.

    “The helicopter crew’s conduct was inexcusable,” said Brian Alexander, an attorney and former Army aviator. “Air traffic control completely failed in their duty as the lifeguards of our aviation system.”

    Before suing the government, families must first file separate Form 95 claims, which attorneys said have already been filed by nearly all the victims’ families.

    The Crafton case is expected to serve as a guiding complaint for other victims’ families, which are expected to be consolidated in federal court.

    Doug Lane, who lost his wife, Christine, and son, Spencer, in the crash, said more than 120 family members have banded together to “become something both beautiful and powerful.”

    “We support each other through birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, weddings—that were planned but never held,” Lane said. “Little League and figure skating seasons that started with missing coaches, missing competitors, and missing parents in the stands.”

    NTSB LAUNCHES 3-DAY INVESTIGATIVE HEARING ON DEADLY DC PLANE CRASH

    He said the group has also “turned our grief into action.”

    “We’ve collaborated with Congress on critical air safety reforms. We’ve secured a much-needed set of oversight investigations into the FAA, and we will not rest until similar investigations are underway into the US Army,” Lane said. “We’ll bring that same level of passion and relentlessness as we seek accountability and change through the legal process.

    “Many of us have been asked whether we dread the idea of rehashing the worst days of our lives in court. Our answer today is clear: We’re ready. … We are here to see this process through, however long it takes, to ensure that our family members have a lasting legacy that makes the world safer for everyone who flies.”

    The lawsuit is seeking both monetary damages and congressional air safety reforms.

  • Beware of fake Wi-Fi networks that steal your data when traveling

    Beware of fake Wi-Fi networks that steal your data when traveling

    Earlier this year, Australian police arrested a passenger for running a malicious Wi-Fi network both at an airport and during a flight. The setup looked just like the airline’s own Wi-Fi service, but it wasn’t. Instead, it was what cybersecurity researchers call an “evil twin,” a fake hotspot designed to trick people into handing over their credentials.

    The idea isn’t new, but the setting is. For years, fake Wi-Fi networks have been a common trick in cafes, hotels, and airports. What makes this case stand out is that the attacker took it to the skies, exploiting the growing reliance on in-flight Wi-Fi for entertainment and internet access.

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    An evil twin hotspot is a wireless network that impersonates a legitimate one by copying its name, also known as the SSID. When multiple networks with the same name exist, your phone or laptop often connects to the one with the stronger signal, which is usually the attacker’s.

    Once connected, victims are often redirected to a fake login or landing page. In this case, the malicious portal requested passengers’ email addresses, passwords, or even social media credentials under the pretense of granting access to the airline’s entertainment system. The stolen information could then be used for account takeovers, identity theft, or further attacks.

    Travel creates a perfect storm for these kinds of attacks. Whether you’re in a hotel, airport, cruise ship or airplane, you often have limited choices for getting online. Mobile data may be patchy or expensive, which pushes people toward the available Wi-Fi networks. Because these services feel official and are tied to trusted brands, travelers tend to assume they’re safe and let their guard down when login requests pop up.

    Another trend adds to the risk. Travel providers are increasingly moving entertainment and services onto personal devices instead of offering built-in options. Airlines replace seatback screens with streaming portals, cruise lines promote app-based services and hotels direct guests to digital check-in platforms. All of these require a Wi-Fi connection, which means more people are logging on than ever before.

    QANTAS DATA BREACH EXPOSES MILLIONS OF CUSTOMER RECORDS

    Here’s how it worked in the Australian case. The attacker carried a portable hotspot onboard and named it to match the airline’s official Wi-Fi network. Passengers, seeing the fake network with stronger signal strength, connected automatically. They were then taken to a counterfeit login page asking for personal details.

    On a flight, the consequences are amplified. Passengers either give in and share data or lose access to entertainment for hours. The success rate of this attack is, quite literally, sky-high.

    YOUR DISCARDED LUGGAGE TAGS ARE WORTH MONEY TO SCAMMERS

    One of the best defenses against rogue Wi-Fi is a Virtual Private Network, or VPN. A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet, making it far harder for attackers to intercept your data even if you connect to the wrong hotspot.

    There is a catch, though. In-flight Wi-Fi systems often require you to disable your VPN temporarily to access the onboard portal. Even then, a VPN remains an important safeguard. Once you have cleared the login page and, if you have paid, connected to the internet, enabling your VPN ensures that any browsing, messaging, or app traffic stays private.

    For the best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at CyberGuy.com.

    A VPN is important, but it isn’t the only defense you should rely on. Here are some other ways to stay safe when connecting midair:

    Before you even think about connecting to in-flight Wi-Fi, make sure your device has a strong antivirus installed. It’s your first line of defense against malicious sites and apps that attackers may try to push through fake portals. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.

    Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at CyberGuy.com.

    Even if an attacker manages to steal your login credentials, 2FA can stop them from getting into your accounts. Use app-based authenticators rather than SMS codes whenever possible, since they work offline and are harder to intercept.

    Most phones and laptops are set to reconnect automatically to familiar networks. This makes it easier for a fake hotspot with the same name to trick your device. Before you board, switch off auto-connect and manually choose the correct airline Wi-Fi.

    When browsing in-flight, check for the padlock icon in your browser’s address bar. HTTPS encrypts the connection between your device and the website, making it harder for attackers on public Wi-Fi to intercept your data.

    Even with precautions, in-flight Wi-Fi should be treated as untrusted. Avoid logging in to sensitive accounts like online banking or work systems. Stick to light browsing, streaming or messaging until you’re back on a secure connection.

    Outdated operating systems and apps often have security holes attackers exploit. Before your trip, install the latest updates on your phone, tablet or laptop. Many updates include security patches that protect you against known vulnerabilities.

    When possible, switch your device to airplane mode and then enable only Wi-Fi. This reduces exposure from other radios (like Bluetooth or cellular roaming) that attackers sometimes target on flights.

    Some fake in-flight portals use pop-ups or redirects designed to trick you into entering login details or clicking on malicious links. If a page asks for unnecessary information, like your full Social Security number, banking details or unrelated logins, treat it as a red flag. Close the page immediately and don’t click.

    When the flight is over, sign out of the airline’s Wi-Fi portal and any accounts you accessed. This prevents session hijacking if the system keeps tokens cached.

    The rise of evil twin attacks in the air is a reminder that convenience often comes with hidden risks. As airlines push more passengers toward in-flight Wi-Fi, attackers are finding ways to exploit that dependency. Next time you fly, think twice before blindly connecting to the first Wi-Fi network that pops up. Sometimes, the safest choice is to stay offline until you land.

    Would you rather go a few hours offline than risk using an untrusted hotspot midair? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.

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  • Airlines told to reevaluate emergency evacuation procedures after carry-on concerns

    Airlines told to reevaluate emergency evacuation procedures after carry-on concerns

    The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is calling on airlines to reevaluate their emergency evacuation procedures.

    In a press release issued on Friday, the organization has asked airlines to look at their flight-crew training, announcements and command procedures during emergencies.

    “Passengers have taken their carry-on items with them on a number of recent evacuations,” the release notes. 

    ‘FIRE INCIDENTS’ CITED BY SOUTHWEST IN NEW POLICY APPLYING TO WHEELCHAIR TRAVELERS

    “This slows the evacuation and puts lives at risk. Carry-on items also can damage emergency slides.”

    The FAA’s safety alert for operators recommends conducting passenger outreach and education campaigns while also leveraging their Safety Management Systems (SMS) for any risks and hazards. 

    A number of recent incidents received wide attention.

    Prior to takeoff, an American Airlines flight 3023 headed to Miami, Florida, was evacuated while at Denver International Airport in July.

    For more Lifestyle articles, visit foxnews.com/lifestyle

    A total of 173 passengers and six crew members on board the Boeing 737 Max 8 were safely removed from the aircraft in that incident. 

    People could be seen exiting the aircraft on an emergency slide before running away from the aircraft, as fire and smoke were observed under the plane, Fox News Digital previously reported. 

    Also, a Hawaiian Airlines flight had to divert to a San Diego tarmac due to a possible bomb threat in May.

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    Nearly 300 passengers evacuated as multiple law enforcement agencies searched the aircraft bound for Honolulu, Fox News Digital reported at the time.

    One person was arrested while the police confirmed nothing suspicious was found onboard the aircraft.

    In April, a Delta plane’s engine caught on fire while the aircraft was leaving the gate at the Orlando International Airport in Florida, Reuters reported at the time.

    The plane was carrying 300 passengers, resulting in a slide evacuation.

    Fox News Digital’s Landon Mion, plus Reuters, contributed reporting. 

  • 'Fire incidents' cited by Southwest in new policy applying to wheelchair travelers

    'Fire incidents' cited by Southwest in new policy applying to wheelchair travelers

    Southwest Airlines will be making a change to its boarding process that impacts travelers with wheelchairs and scooters. 

    In a recent message sent to employees, Dave Hunt, vice president of safety and security at the airline, said there will be a new safety requirement regarding lithium-powered mobility devices.

    “Beginning Sept. 25, customers will be required to take out removable lithium batteries from their mobility device(s) before boarding and carry them into the cabin,” according to the memo.

    FLIGHT PASSENGER GETS TOO COMFORTABLE ON PLANE, SPARKING ETIQUETTE DEBATE

    “These batteries will not count as a customer’s carry-on or personal item.”

    A new size requirement will be put in place by Jan. 11, 2026, restricting lithium batteries to 300 watt-hours or fewer.

    “Lithium batteries have become one of the most common sources of smoke and fire incidents on aircraft,” the memo states. 

    “While these events are rare, quick access and visibility are critical to keeping everyone onboard safe.”

    For more Lifestyle articles, visit foxnews.com/lifestyle

    The Texas-based airline said it will be among the first U.S. carriers to adopt these standards. 

    A spokesperson for the airline told Fox News Digital it has begun notifying the affected customers with travel planned for Sept. 25 and onward. 

    “While this change applies to less than 0.1% of our customers, we remain committed to supporting each individual who may be affected,” the guidance also said. 

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    Earlier this year, Southwest updated its policy requiring portable chargers to remain visible while in use during a flight. 

    Passengers may bring up to 20 spare batteries on the flight with them, according to Southwest’s website. 

    In July, a lithium battery exploded in a passenger’s bag on a Delta flight from Atlanta. 

    The flight headed to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was diverted, with flight attendants extinguishing the device and declaring an emergency, as Fox 5 and other outlets reported. 

  • Your discarded luggage tags are worth money to scammers

    Your discarded luggage tags are worth money to scammers

    Bad actors can use almost anything to scam you. You’ve already heard about them using personal information such as phone numbers, email addresses and government IDs to commit identity theft. But they don’t stop there. There have been reports of hackers using your home’s location on maps to blackmail you or impersonating your boss to demand money.

    These are still very believable tactics, but did you know that even the luggage tags you barely notice can be misused? That’s correct. Well, now bad actors are targeting luggage tags to file for reimbursement.

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    AIRLINES SECRETLY SOLD US TRAVELERS’ DATA TO HOMELAND SECURITY

    An alleged baggage claims manager at Delta Air Lines has warned travelers about a growing scam that uses discarded luggage tags to commit fraud.

    In a Reddit post that has since drawn thousands of comments, the worker claimed scammers are watching passengers remove their tags at baggage claim and retrieving them to submit fake claims for lost luggage. The tags often contain enough personal and travel information to file for reimbursement.

    “There’s been an influx of fraudulent claims using tossed luggage tags,” the worker wrote. “It’s creating issues for people with legitimate claims.”

    The post advises waiting until you are away from the airport before removing tags from checked bags and avoiding leaving them in hotel trash cans. Former hotel staff commenting on the post said they had seen similar fraud schemes involving tags found in guest rooms.

    Travelers responding to the warning also noted that printed boarding passes can be exploited in the same way, and shared examples of airports, such as in Japan, that provide secure disposal bins for tags.

    FBI WARNS OF QR CODE SCAM DISGUISED IN MYSTERY PACKAGES

    The luggage tag scam is a documented and growing problem in 2025, with airport workers, especially baggage claims staff at major airlines, reporting a surge in fraudulent lost luggage claims tied to discarded tags.

    Multiple firsthand accounts confirm that processing legitimate compensation is being complicated by false claims using details found on bag tags. However, travel security experts and industry observers note that, while cases are increasing, the scam may not be extremely widespread or high-volume at this time.

    Most tags only contain limited information, such as name, flight number and baggage IDs, and airlines’ tracking systems can sometimes detect if a claim is fake by reviewing baggage scan logs and RFID tagging. There are also no official warnings or statistics from major airlines, government authorities or law enforcement indicating this technique has reached epidemic levels or led to confirmed prosecutions.

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    The luggage tag scam might not sound like the most dangerous travel threat, but ignoring it can still leave you exposed to fraud. Here are simple, effective steps to protect yourself. 

    Wait until you’re at home, in your car or in another private location before taking tags off your checked bags. This prevents scammers from grabbing them in public areas. 

    Never toss tags in the trash intact. Tear them up or cut through barcodes and printed details so they can’t be reused for fake claims.

    Dispose of tags yourself instead of leaving them in a hotel wastebasket. Cleaning staff or other guests could find and misuse them. 

    Treat printed boarding passes the same way as luggage tags. Keep them until you can destroy them securely. 

    Watch for anyone loitering near the carousel and observing passengers closely. Stay aware of your surroundings while handling travel documents. 

    Opt for mobile boarding passes instead of printed ones. This removes the risk of discarded paper passes falling into the wrong hands.

    Avoid printing your full home address or primary phone number. Instead, use your name, a travel-only email and either a P.O. box or work address. You can even create a simple alias email just for travel, which forwards to your main inbox but keeps your real address private. This way, airlines and honest finders can still reach you without exposing sensitive personal details to scammers.

    For recommendations on private and secure email providers that offer alias addresses, visit Cyberguy.com.

    Another way to protect yourself is by putting a small tracker inside your luggage, such as an Apple AirTag or a similar Bluetooth tracker. These devices connect to your phone and let you see where your bag is in near real-time. If your suitcase goes missing or ends up in the wrong place, you’ll know faster than waiting for the airline to track it down.

    Place the tracker inside your bag rather than on the handle so it can’t be easily removed. Check its location through your phone before leaving the airport, and keep an eye on it during layovers. While AirTags can’t prevent someone from misusing an old luggage tag, they give you proof of where your bag actually is if you ever need to dispute a lost luggage claim or theft. 

    While the luggage tag scam may not be widespread yet, it exploits a simple oversight that most travelers rarely consider. Until airlines and airports put better safeguards in place, the burden falls on passengers to protect their own information. That means treating something as ordinary as a bag tag like sensitive data.

    What do you do with your luggage tags after your trip? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.

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    Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved.

  • Spirit Airlines flight flying in vicinity of Air Force One repeatedly ordered to turn

    Spirit Airlines flight flying in vicinity of Air Force One repeatedly ordered to turn

    A Spirit Airlines flight sharing the sky with Air Force One on Tuesday was repeatedly ordered by air traffic control to “turn 20 degrees right,” according to reports and audio from the interaction.

    The flight was issued the direction to turn several times.

    “Spirit wings 1300 turn 20 degrees right immediately,” the flight was ordered after several previous attempts to relay the instruction.

    SPIRIT AIRLINES WARNS IT MAY NOT SURVIVE ANOTHER YEAR

    President Donald Trump flew to the U.K. on Tuesday and first lady Melania Trump accompanied the president on his trip.

    The couple safely arrived on the other side of the Atlantic.

    PRESIDENT TRUMP’S LAVISH WINDSOR CASTLE VISIT FEATURES GRAND SUITE, ‘ROYAL BLEND’ TEA AND MILITARY HONORS

    The Spirit flight traveling from Fort Lauderdale to Boston “landed uneventfully,” a Spirit spokesperson said in a statement obtained by Fox News Digital.

    “Spirit Airlines flight 1300 (FLL-BOS) followed procedures and Air Traffic Control (ATC) instructions while en route to Boston (BOS) and landed uneventfully at BOS,” the statement noted. “Safety is always our top priority.”

    UNITED AIRLINES CEO GIVES 5-WORD PREDICTION THAT LOW-COST RIVAL WILL GO OUT OF BUSINESS

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    Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for comment on Wednesday morning.

  • Passenger jet aborts Boston takeoff after flame and smoke spew from engine

    Passenger jet aborts Boston takeoff after flame and smoke spew from engine

    A Swiss International Air Lines flight departing for Zurich, Switzerland, had to abort takeoff from Boston Logan International Airport after flames were seen shooting out of its engines.

    A video shows flames coming out of the aircraft’s engine as it moved forward, seemingly slowing its pace. 

    “Investigations into the exact nature of the engine problem are currently underway,” a spokesperson for Swiss International Air Lines said in a statement to Fox News Digital.  “However, depending on the problem with an engine, it is possible that a flame may be visible for a brief moment.”

    The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) paused some arrivals as the Swiss International Air Lines flight taxied on the runway. 

    SMOKE FROM UNKNOWN PASSENGER DEVICE FORCES EMERGENCY LANDING OF AMERICAN AIRLINES FLIGHT TO WASHINGTON-DULLES

    “There appears to be black smoke from one of the engines as you revved up,” an air traffic controller told the Swiss Air Lines crew, according to Boston 25 News. “We have the fire department on their way out on the runway now; they’re coming to take a look at it. They can give you a better assessment.”

    Prior to the attempted takeoff, the Swiss aircraft had been at Logan since it arrived from Zurich on Sunday, according to reports.

    “The crew of SWISS Flight 55 stopped their takeoff at Boston Logan International Airport due to engine issues around 6:25 p.m. local time on Tuesday, Sept. 16. The FAA briefly paused some arrivals to the airport before the plane taxied off the runway,” the FAA told NBC 10 Boston. “The FAA will investigate.”

    Swiss International Air Lines told Fox News Digital there were no injuries to the 223 passengers and 13 crew members aboard the flight.

    DELTA PLANE ABORTS TAKEOFF IN MEXICO CITY AFTER PLANE NEARLY LANDS ON TOP OF AIRCRAFT

    “We’re about halfway down the runway when, all of a sudden, there’s kind of a boom noise and a big jolt, so the plane jolts forward,” a passenger, Molly Furrer, told NBC 10 Boston. “I could feel the plane braking and then started to skid down the runway until it came to a complete stop.”

    Furrer also told the outlet that the passengers were not told what happened for several minutes, though panic did not erupt until they heard sirens and saw ambulances.

    “The first feeling, fortunately, that I had was general relief that this was caught before we even got into the air, so we didn’t have to make an emergency landing,” Furrer told NBC 10 Boston.

    CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

    The website FlightAware, which tracks flights across the globe, noted that the flight arrived in Zurich at 11:43 a.m. local time, more than five hours after its scheduled arrival. The airline confirmed to Fox News Digital that the aircraft that eventually took off at approximately 10:00 p.m. was not the same one that attempted to take off earlier Tuesday evening.

    “The safety of our passengers and crew members is always our top priority at SWISS. Our pilots are excellently trained and prepared to react quickly and appropriately in such exceptional situations,” the Swiss International Air Lines spokesperson told Fox News Digital. “We deeply regret the inconvenience caused to passengers by this incident.”

    Fox News Digital reached out to Logan Airport regarding the incident but did not immediately receive a response.

  • Flight passenger gets too comfortable on plane, sparking etiquette debate

    Flight passenger gets too comfortable on plane, sparking etiquette debate

    While in flight at 30,000 feet, passengers may exhibit certain behaviors that would be deemed inappropriate on land.

    In the “r/Delta” forum on Reddit, a user titled a post “Crimes against humanity,” along with a photo of a man laying back with his bare feet up on the seat in front of him.

    Redditors took to the comment section to share their reactions, along with their own flying experiences.

    AIRLINE PASSENGERS COULD BE REMOVED FROM FLIGHTS FOR GOING BAREFOOT: ETIQUETTE EXPERT WEIGHS IN

    “This strikes me as the same type of person who would clip their nails in public,” commented one user.

    Another person wrote, “This is not your mom’s basement, sir.” Yet another Redditor said, “Living room syndrome strikes again.”

    Someone else commented, “This is why I travel with Clorox wipes on planes.”

    “Did you say anything?” asked one person. The user who posted the photo responded, “Sure did, he at least put his socks back on.”

    For more Lifestyle articles, visit foxnews.com/lifestyle

    Jacqueline Whitmore, a Florida-based etiquette expert and former flight attendant, said it is best to keep your feet covered in some capacity while on a plane.

    “From an etiquette standpoint, it is rude to walk about barefoot in a public place, as many germs can be transmitted from your feet,” Whitmore told Fox News Digital.

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    “If you plan to take off your shoes on a longer flight, it’s best not to walk around without slippers for your own health and safety,” she said. 

    “The floor of the plane is extremely dirty, especially in the lavatory. The water on the floor is most likely not water at all.”

    Whitmore also said that being barefoot can impact those around you.

    “For fellow passengers, seeing someone walk around barefoot can be considered unpleasant or unhygienic, which could negatively impact their flying experience.”

    To stay comfortable while remaining hygienic, Whitmore suggests putting on a clean pair of socks, using slippers or wearing more comfortable shoes.

  • Off-duty pilot who tried shutting down engines after taking psychedelic mushrooms pleads guilty

    Off-duty pilot who tried shutting down engines after taking psychedelic mushrooms pleads guilty

    A former Alaska Airlines pilot who attempted to disable the engines of a 2023 passenger flight while riding off duty in the cockpit — after taking psychedelic mushrooms — pleaded guilty or no contest to all charges Friday and expressed regret for endangering passengers and damaging his profession.

    Joseph Emerson, who was restrained by the flight crew after trying to cut the engines of a Horizon Air flight carrying more than 80 people, reached plea agreements with state and federal prosecutors to take accountability and avoid further jail time, the Associated Press reported, citing his attorney, Noah Horst.

    The October 2023 flight from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco diverted to Portland after Emerson pulled handles in the cockpit that could have cut fuel to the engines. The plane landed safely, according to the Associated Press.

    SMOKE FROM UNKNOWN PASSENGER DEVICE FORCES EMERGENCY LANDING OF AMERICAN AIRLINES FLIGHT TO WASHINGTON-DULLES

    “What Joseph Emerson did was reckless, selfish, and criminal,” Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Eric Pickard said in a statement Friday. “We should remember how close he came to ruining the lives of not just the 84 people aboard Flight 2059, but all of their family members and friends as well.”

    In state court, Emerson received a 50-day jail sentence with credit for time served and five years probation. He faces federal sentencing in November, where his attorneys will argue for probation and prosecutors may seek up to a year in custody, the Associated Press reported.

    NEWLY RELEASED VIDEO SHOWS SOUTHWEST PILOT ADMITTING TO DRINKING ‘THREE BEERS’ BEFORE FAILED SOBRIETY TEST

    “It should not have happened, and I bear the responsibility for that,” Emerson said.

    At the time, Emerson told police he was grieving a friend’s death, had taken psychedelic mushrooms around two days earlier, and had gone more than 40 hours without sleep. Believing he was dreaming, he said he pulled the handles in an attempt to wake himself up, according to the Associated Press.

    On Friday, he repeated that the drugs left him unable to perceive reality, but added, “that doesn’t make this right.”

    The airline said the flight crew had not noticed any signs of impairment that would have kept Emerson away from the cockpit, the Associated Press reported.

    MASSACHUSETTS MAN SENTENCED FOLLOWING VIOLENT IN-FLIGHT RAMPAGE ON BOARD UNITED AIRLINES FLIGHT

    “This difficult journey has made me a better father, a better husband, a better member of my community,” Emerson said. “Today I get to be the dad I was incapable of when I had to use alcohol to deal with life as life is.”

    But one passenger on the flight, Alison Snyder, said she would never again feel as comfortable flying.

    “Mr. Emerson knew he was not fit to fly, a requirement for sitting in the cockpit,” Snyder said. “Joseph Emerson’s behavior that day showed he lacks the judgment to be a pilot and should never be allowed anywhere near a flight deck ever again.”

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    Emerson was charged federally with interfering with a flight crew, and in Oregon, he was charged with 83 counts of endangering another person and one of endangering an aircraft. He previously pleaded not guilty to all charges, according to the Associated Press.

    Noah Horst and Alaska Airlines did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

  • Shocking video captures helicopter ruins after fiery crash near airport, no survivors

    Shocking video captures helicopter ruins after fiery crash near airport, no survivors

    Authorities say there are no survivors after a helicopter crashed Saturday afternoon near a small airport in the Twin Cities suburbs and burst into flames.

    Officers found the downed aircraft, later identified as a Robinson R66, at about 2:45 p.m. local time in an area west of Airlake Airport, according to a statement from the Lakeville Police Department.

    Emergency personnel determined there did not appear to be any survivors of the crash.

    TWO PEOPLE KILLED AFTER HELICOPTER HITS POWER LINE AND CRASHES INTO BARGE ON MISSISSIPPI RIVER

    It is unclear how many people were onboard the helicopter.

    A Robinson R66 is a single-engine turbine helicopter with a glass cockpit that seats one pilot and four passengers.

    The crash site is in a non-residential, non-commercial area, and there is no indication of any injuries to those on the ground, according to police.

    The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) told Fox News Digital the helicopter crashed “under unknown circumstances and a post-crash fire ensued.”

    AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER SHOULD HAVE WARNED PLANE OF ARMY HELICOPTER’S PATH AHEAD OF FATAL DC CRASH: FAA

    An NTSB investigator is en route to the scene and is expected to arrive in Minnesota Sunday afternoon, officials said. 

    Once on site, the investigator will document the scene and examine the aircraft. The helicopter will then be taken to a secure facility for further evaluation.  

    The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has also been notified and will be responding to the scene, according to police.

    NTSB LAUNCHES 3-DAY INVESTIGATIVE HEARING ON DEADLY DC PLANE CRASH

    The FAA and NTSB will lead the investigation.

    Lakeville, Minnesota is about 20 miles south of downtown Minneapolis, and 25 miles south of St. Paul.

    The City of Lakeville, FAA and NTSB did not immediately respond to inquiries from Fox News Digital.