Passenger Tries to Open Plane Door Mid-Flight in Terrifying Incident

An Alaska Airlines flight turned chaotic when a passenger allegedly tried to open a cabin door mid-air, prompting fellow travelers to restrain him amid a string of bizarre behavior, court documents reveal.

Kassian William Fredericks was on board Alaska Airlines flight 87 to Anchorage last Wednesday when he reportedly ran to the cabin door and attempted to pry it open, according to an FBI probable cause affidavit obtained by The Post.

A passenger who had left his seat to use the restroom returned to find Fredericks “aggressively trying to open the rear cabin door.” The passenger immediately rushed over, grabbing Fredericks as he had already lifted the door arm, and called for help from two other male passengers who assisted in restraining him.

Fredericks allegedly kept trying to stand and repeatedly said, “I need to call my mom,” while also asking for a cigarette. According to the affidavit, he told the passengers, “How do I break the window? I don’t know how to break it,” claiming he was trying to open the door because he “need[ed] air and to get out of here.” He was visibly shaking throughout the encounter.

Before the incident, another passenger reported hearing Fredericks yell, “Stop the plane, stop the plane,” while turning his head repeatedly. When asked if he was okay, Fredericks reportedly said, “They’re flying the plane from back here… No, they’re invisible. They’re trying to take over the plane. You got to stop them.”

The affidavit also describes how Fredericks popped a pill into his mouth and took a sip of Gatorade, apparently thinking it would calm him down — but his behavior became even more erratic. Flight crew told law enforcement they did not believe he was drunk, though they noticed his unusual and shaking behavior, which they initially assumed could be medical in nature.

While the crew considered restraining Fredericks with zip ties, they decided it could escalate the situation. Though opening a cabin door mid-flight is nearly impossible due to air pressure, the attempt could have triggered the emergency slide, potentially harming passengers.

The pilot contacted ground controllers, leading to FBI involvement. Fredericks was escorted off the plane safely upon landing in Anchorage and “apologized to the crew and seemed to have calmed down,” the affidavit said.

At the hospital, Fredericks reportedly told a police officer that he had been drinking alcohol for nine to ten days, was experiencing hallucinations, and could not remember the past two years of his life. He also said he was taking Trazodone, a prescription medication for depression, anxiety, and insomnia.

Alaska Airlines confirmed Fredericks has been banned from flying with the airline. In a statement, the airline said, “A passenger onboard Alaska Airlines Flight 87 from Deadhorse, AK to Anchorage displayed erratic behavior and attempted to open one of the emergency doors. The passenger was intercepted and restrained until the aircraft landed safely in Anchorage, where it was met by law enforcement and EMTs. We thank our crew for their professionalism and apologize to our guests for any concern this incident caused.”

Fredericks was arrested and charged with interference with flight crew members. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison. His attorney did not immediately respond to requests for comment.