by Portland, Oregon – A former commercial airline pilot who attempted to cut off the engines of a passenger jet mid-flight in 2023 has pleaded guilty in federal court and was sentenced to probation in state court. The case, which involved psilocybin use and a near-tragic midair struggle, continues to unfold as the ex-pilot faces additional federal sentencing later this year.
The Midair Incident
On October 22, 2023, Joseph Emerson, a 44-year-old off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot, was riding in the cockpit jump seat aboard Horizon Airlines Flight 2059, traveling from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco.
During the flight, Emerson told the operating pilots that he was “not okay” before allegedly reaching for the red fire suppression handles. Pulling those handles would have cut off fuel to the engines and shut them down.
The quick response of the pilot and co-pilot prevented disaster. They restrained Emerson, and the plane diverted safely to Portland International Airport.
On board were 84 passengers and crew, including 11 children under the age of 14. No injuries were reported.
Emerson’s Admission
Following his arrest, Emerson admitted to investigators that he had taken psilocybin (magic mushrooms) around 48 hours before the incident. He said it was his first time using the drug and acknowledged that he was struggling with depression at the time.
“I still made the decision to take psilocybin, and that led to my inability to determine that I was operating in reality for an extended period of time,” Emerson told the Multnomah County court on Friday. “That doesn’t make this right. What happened was wrong and should not have happened, and I bear the responsibility for that.”
He also emphasized that he is now sober and in recovery and claimed he had no intention of harming anyone.
State Court Sentencing
In Oregon state court, Emerson pleaded no contest to 83 misdemeanor counts of reckless endangerment and one felony count of first-degree endangering an aircraft.
- Sentence: 50 days in jail (time already served)
- Probation: 5 years
- Community service: 664 hours
- Restitution: $60,569
Deputy District Attorney Eric Pickard criticized Emerson’s actions, calling them “reckless, selfish, and criminal,” and reminded the court how close the passengers came to tragedy.
Some passengers, including Alison Snyder, who was traveling with her husband, said the state sentence was too light.
“Mr. Emerson knew he was not fit to fly, a requirement for sitting in the cockpit,” Snyder said. “He knew his seat came with a duty to crew and passengers, and he knew he was not capable of upholding those responsibilities.”
Federal Guilty Plea
Separately, in federal court, Emerson pleaded guilty to interference with flight crew members and attendants, a serious charge that carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
His federal sentencing is scheduled for November 17. While the plea agreement does not outline a specific sentencing range, prosecutors emphasized the severity of his actions.
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Broader Safety Concerns
The case has reignited debate about pilot fitness, mental health, and substance use in the aviation industry. Aviation safety experts stress that while cases like Emerson’s are rare, they highlight the importance of strict medical and psychological screening for airline personnel.
Passengers and families of those on board continue to express outrage at what they see as leniency in the state sentencing, though many await the outcome of the federal proceedings, which could lead to a much longer punishment.
Looking Ahead
Joseph Emerson’s story is both a cautionary tale about substance use and mental health and a reminder of how close 84 lives came to disaster on that October day.
While Emerson has expressed remorse and claims to be in recovery, the federal court’s decision in November will determine whether he faces years behind bars or a more lenient outcome.
What do you think of the sentencing so far — was it too light, or fair given the circumstances? Share your views in the comments at ibwhsmag.com.
