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Passenger attempts to open airplane door mid-flight, causing chaos

Dec 17, 2025, 9:22 PM20
(Update: Dec 18, 2025, 4:30 PM)
Major American airline

Passenger attempts to open airplane door mid-flight, causing chaos

  • Kassian William Fredericks allegedly attempted to open the rear cabin door mid-flight, causing panic among passengers.
  • Witnesses reported Fredericks's erratic behavior, including hallucinations and fears of imminent danger.
  • He has since been charged with interference with the flight crew and banned from Alaska Airlines.
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On December 10, 2025, an alarming incident occurred on Alaska Airlines flight 87, which was traveling from Deadhorse, Alaska, to Anchorage. A 36-year-old passenger named Kassian William Fredericks allegedly attempted to forcibly open the aircraft's rear cabin door while in flight, putting the safety of fellow travelers at risk. Witnesses reported that Fredericks exhibited erratic behavior, including claiming that the wings had disappeared and expressing fears that everyone was going to die. Medical assessments revealed that Fredericks had been consuming alcohol for the previous 10 days and could not recollect significant periods of his life. As Fredericks attempted to open the door, he was restrained by fellow passengers who were concerned for their safety. Multiple witnesses noted that he was shaking, making strange statements, and had asked for a cigarette and how to break a window. The flight crew, recognizing the potential threat he posed, did not attempt restraints until absolutely necessary, as they feared further escalation could result in more chaos. A nearby passenger reported that Fredericks had also taken medication, worsening his unstable mental state. Following the incident, which raised serious safety concerns for both crew and passengers, the flight landed safely at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. Fredericks was taken to a hospital for evaluation, where he disclosed his extended period of drinking and experiencing auditory and visual hallucinations. Court records reveal that Fredericks has now been charged with interference with the flight crew, facing a potential maximum prison sentence of 20 years if convicted. Alaska Airlines spokesperson confirmed he has been banned from future travel with the airline. This incident highlights the pressing issues of passenger safety and the potential impact of substance abuse on air travel. Airlines have policies in place for managing unruly passengers, yet situations such as this demand a balance between ensuring the safety of the passengers and maintaining order in the cabin. The repercussions of such behavior extend beyond legal charges, as they can lead to a broader discussion about addiction and mental health support systems for individuals who may find themselves in similar perilous situations.

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