A serious in-flight security incident unfolded aboard an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 earlier this month when a passenger attempted to open a rear emergency exit door while the aircraft was cruising at high altitude, prompting swift intervention by fellow passengers and crew.

The incident occurred on December 10, 2025, on Alaska Airlines Flight AS87, operating from Deadhorse (Prudhoe Bay) to Anchorage. At approximately 39,000 feet, a male passenger later identified as Kassian William Fredericks allegedly tried to pull the handle of a rear emergency exit, triggering panic inside the cabin.

According to court documents filed in Alaska, Fredericks began behaving erratically shortly after takeoff. Passengers seated nearby reported that he was talking to himself, fidgeting continuously, and showing signs of severe distress. Some travelers moved seats out of concern that his behavior might escalate.

As the cabin crew proceeded with beverage service, Fredericks reportedly shouted alarming statements, claiming the aircraft’s wings had disappeared and warning passengers that everyone was going to die. He later told a flight attendant that toxic substances were entering the cabin through the air vents, intensifying fears among those on board.

Flight attendants discreetly asked nearby passengers to keep an eye on Fredericks while service continued. Despite these precautions, he managed to leave his seat and move toward the rear of the aircraft unnoticed.

The situation escalated when Fredericks allegedly attempted to open a rear emergency exit door while the plane was still in the air. A passenger exiting a nearby restroom saw the attempt and shouted for help. Several passengers rushed to the scene, and three adult men managed to restrain Fredericks and pull him away from the door.

Witnesses said Fredericks repeatedly shouted that he needed fresh air. Although the aircraft’s pressurization system made it impossible for the door to open fully at cruising altitude, investigators said the handle was forced out of its locked position, raising fears that the emergency slide could have deployed inside the cabin.

Flight attendants considered using zip ties to restrain Fredericks but decided against it to avoid further agitation. Instead, passengers voluntarily remained seated around him for the remainder of the flight to prevent any further movement.

The aircraft landed safely in Anchorage, where law enforcement officers boarded the plane. Fredericks was taken to a local hospital for medical evaluation. While there, he reportedly told medical staff that he had been drinking heavily for several days, was experiencing hallucinations, and was taking antidepressant medication.

Federal prosecutors have since charged Fredericks with interference with flight crew members, a felony offense under U.S. law. If convicted, he faces a potential sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison and fines of up to $250,000.

In an updated statement released this week, Alaska Airlines confirmed that the aircraft has returned to service after a routine inspection and praised both the crew and passengers for their calm and decisive actions. “The safety of our guests and crew is our highest priority,” the airline said, adding that it is cooperating fully with federal authorities.

A preliminary court hearing has now been scheduled in federal court in Anchorage, where prosecutors are expected to argue that Fredericks’ actions posed a serious risk to flight safety despite the physical impossibility of opening the door mid-air.

The incident has renewed attention on the challenges airlines face in managing severe in-flight disruptions linked to mental health crises and substance abuse. While no injuries were reported and the flight concluded safely, aviation officials say the case underscores how quickly a single passenger can create a potentially catastrophic situation at cruising altitude. (ILKHA)