Pilotpreviously employed by Alaska Airlines, who orchestrated an emergency landing under the influence of mushrooms, confesses to the charges brought against him

Former Alaska Airlines Pilot Joseph Emerson Pleads Guilty in Aircraft Endangerment Case

In a court hearing on October 23, 2023, former Alaska Airlines pilot Joseph Emerson entered a plea of no contest to one count of recklessly endangering an aircraft in the first degree and 83 counts of recklessly endangering another person. The incident occurred during a flight from Everett, Washington to San Francisco.

Emerson was charged in federal court with interfering with a flight crew, and in Multnomah County with 83 counts of endangering another person, and one count of endangering an aircraft. He will spend 12 months behind bars and pay over $59,000 in restitution as part of the plea agreement with federal prosecutors.

According to court documents, Emerson told police he was despondent over a friend's recent death, and had taken psychedelic mushrooms a couple of days earlier and hadn't slept for more than 40 hours. His belief that he was dreaming at the time and that he was trying to wake himself up was also mentioned in court documents.

Emerson used psylocibin, which led to his inability to determine that he was operating in reality for an extended period of time. He grabbed two red handles that would have activated the plane's fire suppression system, cutting off fuel to the plane's engines. The plane was diverted to the Portland International Airport and landed safely with more than 80 passengers on board.

Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez has been in coordination with the federal government on the case since October 23, 2023. Vasquez stated that his office was invested in the case and wanted to ensure it was handled correctly. Emerson's attorney stated that the plea agreement was made because his client wanted to take responsibility for his actions in the hopes of receiving less prison time.

Alison Snyder, who was on board the flight, urged the court to use this situation to send a strong message and spur reform in the airline industry. Judge Cheryl Albrecht expressed the importance of strengthening resources and supports for pilots to earn trust and fulfill their solemn duty.

In a press conference held by Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez after the court hearings, he stated that the case was a topic of discussion. He also mentioned that the FAA has launched a new committee to tackle pilot mental health issues. Emerson's sentencing hearing on the federal charges is scheduled for November 17.

Emerson expressed remorse during his plea hearing, stating he is in recovery for alcohol use and is working toward making changes in his life. The case of former Alaska Airlines pilot Joseph Emerson in November 2023 is being tried in a federal court.