SEATTLE– A passenger has admitted to attempting to open a cabin door on an Alaska Airlines (AS) Boeing 737 during a flight from Deadhorse Airport (SCC) to Anchorage Airport (ANC). The mid-air incident occurred on December 10, 2025, prompting immediate intervention by fellow passengers and cabin crew.
The individual later pleaded guilty to interfering with the flight crew after reaching a plea agreement with prosecutors. According to court filings, the passenger faces a possible prison sentence of up to 20 years and a fine of up to $250,000.
Alaska Airlines Passenger Pleads Guilty
The incident involved Kassian William Fredericks, who was traveling on Alaska Airlines flight AS87. During the flight, nearby passengers noticed unusual behavior, including him talking to himself and repeatedly fidgeting.
Initially, seatmates believed he might be experiencing a medical condition. The situation escalated when Fredericks demanded two vodka shots from the flight attendants during the beverage service.
Shortly after, he reportedly shouted that the aircraft’s wings had disappeared and warned that everyone on board was going to die. According to an arrest affidavit, he also told a flight attendant that meth was coming out of the aircraft’s air vents and that passengers were panicking.
Crew members asked nearby passengers to keep an eye on Fredericks while service continued. At some point, he left his seat and walked toward the rear of the aircraft.
Passengers Intervened to Stop Door Attempt
According to the plea agreement, Fredericks was later seen aggressively attempting to open the aircraft’s rear cabin door.
A passenger quickly rushed toward him after noticing the door handle had been moved upward. The passenger restrained Fredericks and called for assistance from other travelers nearby.
Several passengers helped pull him away from the door and moved him back to a seat until the aircraft landed safely.
Fredericks later told others that he believed he was overdosing.
Reported by PYOK, the court filing confirms that Fredericks has pleaded guilty to interfering with the flight crew, though sentencing has not yet been scheduled.
Aircraft Door Could Not Have Opened Mid-Air
The aircraft captain later told investigators that the rear cabin door could not have been opened while the aircraft was pressurized at cruising altitude.
However, flight attendants expressed concern that the attempt could have triggered the emergency slide system. If deployed inside the cabin, the slide could have caused injuries or operational disruption.
After the aircraft landed in Anchorage, Fredericks was taken to a hospital for medical evaluation.
Medical staff reportedly overheard him saying he had been drinking for the previous ten days. He also told doctors he was experiencing hallucinations and was taking antidepressant medication.
Growing Concerns Over Drug and Medical Incidents in Air Travel
Airlines have reported a growing number of onboard medical emergencies linked to substance abuse and mental health issues. These incidents often require immediate intervention by flight crews and passengers.
In response, several U.S. airlines now carry Naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, in onboard medical kits. The medication can quickly reverse the effects of opioid overdoses.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) first recommended that airlines stock Naloxone in 2019 after a passenger died from an overdose during a Delta Air Lines (DL) flight between Boston (BOS) and Los Angeles (LAX).
Implementation expanded gradually across the industry. Southwest Airlines (WN) confirmed in 2024 that it began equipping aircraft medical kits with Naloxone.
Alaska Airlines also carries Naloxone on its flights as part of its emergency medical preparedness.
Legal Outcome Still Pending
Fredericks’ plea agreement has been submitted to the court, but a sentencing date has not yet been announced.
Under U.S. federal law, interfering with flight crew members is considered a serious offense because it can threaten the safety of passengers and the operation of the aircraft.
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