Ex-Pilot Joseph Emerson Pleads Guilty to Endangering Flight After Psychedelic Incident

Joseph Emerson, the former Alaska Airlines pilot accused of attempting to disable a passenger flight’s engines in October 2023 while off-duty in the cockpit, has entered a plea of guilty or no contest to all charges against him. Appearing in court, Emerson expressed deep regret for endangering those on board and for the damage inflicted upon the aviation profession.

Emerson’s attorney, Noah Horst, stated that the plea agreements were sought to allow Emerson to take responsibility for his actions and potentially avoid further incarceration. The incident saw Emerson subdued by flight crew after he attempted to activate the fire-suppression system on a Horizon Air flight from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco. The plane was safely diverted to Portland with over 80 people on board.

In state court, Emerson received a sentence of 50 days in jail, with credit for time served, along with five years of probation. This contrasts with a presumptive sentence of 16 to 18 months. He is scheduled for federal sentencing in November, where his legal team will advocate for probation, while prosecutors may seek up to one year in custody.

Addressing Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Cheryl Albrecht, Emerson acknowledged the broad harm caused, including diminished public confidence in air travel and a negative impact on airline professionals. He admitted to being despondent over a friend’s death, having consumed psychedelic mushrooms approximately two days prior, and suffering from over 40 hours of sleep deprivation. Emerson claimed he believed he was dreaming and was trying to wake himself by engaging the engine cutoff handles.

Despite the airline stating that no signs of impairment were observed by other flight crew members, a passenger, Alison Snyder, testified that the proposed consequences seemed insufficient given Emerson’s actions. Snyder emphasized that Emerson knew he was unfit to be in the cockpit and that his behavior demonstrated a lack of judgment, suggesting he should never be near a flight deck again.

Emerson reiterated in court that he was unable to perceive reality after taking the mushrooms, but conceded that this did not excuse his actions. He expressed gratitude to the flight crew for restraining him, an act he called “the greatest gift I ever got” for prompting him to confront his mental health and alcohol dependency issues. He believes the experience has made him a better father, husband, and community member.

Facing federal charges for interfering with a flight crew and state charges including 83 counts of endangering another person and one count of endangering an aircraft, Emerson previously pleaded not guilty. He was released in December 2023 under conditions requiring mental health services, sobriety, and distance from aircraft. The state agreement includes five years of probation, 664 hours of community service (eight hours per endangered person), and $60,569 in restitution, primarily to Alaska Air Group. Half of his community service can be fulfilled at a pilot health non-profit he founded post-arrest. He is also subject to ongoing assessments, must avoid non-prescribed drugs, and maintain a distance of at least 25 feet from operable aircraft without probation officer permission.

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