Passenger arrested after taking over small plane in Alaska
By BECKY BOHRER and MARK THIESSENJuly 9, 2021 GMT
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — A passenger on a small plane bound for a tiny western Alaska community said he tried to end his life when he took control of the plane’s yoke and caused it to nosedive before the pilot was able to regain control and safely land the aircraft, Alaska State Troopers said.
The incident occurred Wednesday on a flight between Bethel and Aniak, which is about 90 miles (145 kilometers) northeast of Bethel. Troopers said a preliminary investigation indicated that an 18-year-old passenger got up from his seat and took control of the yoke before the pilot was able to regain control of the plane with help from passengers.