Joseph Emerson, an off-duty pilot for Alaska Airlines, has pleaded guilty to charges after attempting to disable the engines of a flight while under the influence of psychedelic mushrooms. The incident occurred in October 2023 during a trip from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco, where Emerson, who was off-duty at the time, pulled handles in the cockpit that could have cut fuel to the engines. The plane was diverted to Portland, where it landed safely with nearly 85 passengers unharmed. Emerson expressed regret for the incident, acknowledging the potential danger his actions posed to the lives of the passengers and his own profession.
According to the Associated Press, Emerson claimed he was grieving a friend’s recent death and had taken psychedelic mushrooms around two days prior. He had also gone over 40 hours without sleep. Believing he was dreaming, he said he pulled the handles in an attempt to wake himself up. However, he admitted that the drugs left him unable to perceive reality, but he also stated that this does not excuse his actions. The incident has led to federal charges of interfering with a flight crew and state charges of endangering another person and an aircraft.
Emerson, who was restrained by flight crew members, reached plea agreements with both state and federal prosecutors to avoid further jail time. In state court, he received a 50-day jail sentence with credit for time served and five years of probation. He faces federal sentencing in November, where his attorneys will argue for probation, while prosecutors may seek up to a year in custody. The airline stated that the flight crew had not noticed any signs of impairment that would have kept Emerson away from the cockpit. This incident has sparked discussions about the responsibilities of pilots and the potential impact of drug use on aviation safety.
Passengers on the flight, including Alison Snyder, have expressed concern over the incident, with Snyder stating that Emerson lacked the judgment to be a pilot and should never be allowed near the flight deck again. Emerson has also emphasized the importance of accountability and personal growth as part of his recovery process, stating that the experience has made him a better father, husband, and community member. As he prepares for his next steps, the aviation industry and the public continue to debate the implications of this case for safety standards and individual responsibility in high-risk professions.