Woman Arrested After In-Flight Disturbance Forces Emergency Landing
In the early hours of Tuesday morning, what should have been a routine Alaska Airlines flight from Portland to Dallas turned into a frightening ordeal for passengers and crew when a 61-year-old passenger’s erratic behavior escalated to violence. Tracy Barkhimer of White Salmon, Washington, now faces two counts of misdemeanor battery after allegedly striking airline employees who were attempting to calm her during the flight. The incident forced an emergency landing at Boise Airport in Idaho, where Barkhimer was promptly removed from the aircraft and taken into custody by waiting police officers.
The disturbance began mid-flight when Barkhimer reportedly began exhibiting concerning behavior that quickly drew the attention of the cabin crew. When flight attendants approached to address the situation, what started as an attempt to de-escalate instead resulted in physical violence. According to police records, two victims requested and signed affidavits for a citizen’s arrest shortly after the plane touched down in Boise just before 1:30 a.m. Though Alaska Airlines later clarified that only one flight attendant was physically assaulted, the impact of the incident was significant enough to warrant diverting the entire aircraft and delaying the journey of all other passengers aboard.
The crew’s quick response to the situation demonstrated the extensive training airline personnel receive for handling in-flight emergencies. Following standard protocol, Barkhimer was restrained for the remainder of the flight until authorities could take over upon landing. The flight attendants’ professionalism in the face of potential danger highlights the often-overlooked challenges these aviation professionals routinely face in their work. Despite the traumatic experience, the affected crew members underwent medical evaluations and were cleared to continue their duties, allowing the flight to resume its journey to Dallas after a 90-minute delay.
For the passengers onboard, this incident represents yet another example of the increasing unpredictability of air travel in recent years. While most flights proceed without incident, disruptive passenger behavior has become a growing concern across the airline industry. Fellow travelers on this particular flight likely experienced a range of emotions from fear and concern during the active disturbance to frustration over the unexpected delay. The incident serves as a stark reminder of how one person’s actions can impact hundreds of others in the confined space of an aircraft cabin where options for separation are limited and escape is impossible.
Alaska Airlines responded decisively to the incident, not only cooperating with law enforcement but also immediately banning Barkhimer from future travel on their airline. In a statement, the carrier emphasized their zero-tolerance policy regarding violence against employees, stating: “At Alaska Airlines, safety is our number one priority, and we do not tolerate violence of any kind against our employees.” The airline also apologized to other passengers for any anxiety or inconvenience caused by the situation. This response aligns with industry-wide efforts to protect crew members who have seen an alarming increase in verbal and physical abuse in recent years.
This incident occurs against a backdrop of heightened tensions in commercial aviation, where airlines and federal authorities have been grappling with increased reports of unruly passenger behavior since the pandemic. While the specific motivations behind Barkhimer’s actions remain unclear, the consequences she now faces are substantial. Beyond the legal charges and potential penalties in the Idaho criminal justice system, being placed on an airline’s no-fly list can significantly impact a person’s future travel options. The case serves as a sobering reminder that maintaining composure during the stresses of air travel isn’t merely a courtesy—it’s a necessity with serious legal and personal ramifications when violated.