Why did the passenger try to open the Alaska Airlines plane door?

The passenger was hallucinating, believed he needed 'air', and thought invisible people were controlling the plane.

What happened to the passenger on the Alaska Airlines flight?

He was restrained by other passengers and later met by authorities upon landing. He has been banned from Alaska Airlines.

What does a level two threat mean on an airplane?

A level two threat is issued when a passenger exhibits physically abusive or openly hostile behavior towards the crew or other passengers.

Home / Crime and Justice / Man Hallucinates, Tries to Open Plane Door Mid-Flight

Man Hallucinates, Tries to Open Plane Door Mid-Flight

20 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Passenger attempted to open airplane door at 18,000 feet due to hallucinations.
He claimed invisible people were flying the plane and he needed air.
Three passengers restrained the man before landing.

Man Hallucinates, Tries to Open Plane Door Mid-Flight

An Alaska Airlines flight from Dead Horse to Anchorage experienced a terrifying incident on December 10, 2025, when passenger Kassian William Fredericks began exhibiting erratic behavior. Hallucinating and believing the plane's wings had disappeared, Fredericks attempted to open the cabin door at 18,000 feet, stating he needed fresh air and that invisible beings were controlling the aircraft.

His disturbing actions, including muttering about the plane and invisible people, alarmed fellow passengers and crew. Three passengers bravely subdued Fredericks as he tried to open the door. The flight crew alerted authorities, and upon landing in Anchorage, Fredericks was met by police and the FBI.

Fredericks, who had reportedly been drinking for ten days and was taking Trazodone, was transported for medical evaluation. Alaska Airlines has banned him from future travel, citing his classification as a level two threat due to his physically abusive behavior.