A former Alaska Airlines pilot who tried to cut the engines of a passenger flight while off duty in the cockpit has entered guilty and no contest pleas to criminal charges.
Joseph Emerson, 45, admitted responsibility during an Oregon court hearing on Friday, saying he regretted endangering passengers and damaging trust in the aviation profession.
The incident occurred on October 22, 2023, aboard a Horizon Air flight traveling from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco.
Emerson, riding in an additional cockpit seat, attempted to pull handles that would have cut off fuel to the engines.
The crew restrained him, and the aircraft was diverted to Portland, where it landed safely with more than 80 people on board.
In state court, Emerson was sentenced to 50 days in jail, with credit for time served, and placed on five years’ probation.
Though guidelines pointed toward a longer prison term, the agreement included community service, restitution, and ongoing treatment.
He is also awaiting sentencing in federal court for interfering with a flight crew, where prosecutors may request up to a year in custody.
As part of his probation, Emerson must complete 664 hours of community service, pay more than $60,000 in restitution to Alaska Air Group, and remain at least 25 feet away from any aircraft unless cleared by his probation officer.
He will also undergo regular assessments for substance abuse and mental health support.
Emerson told the court he had not slept for more than 40 hours at the time and had consumed psychedelic mushrooms two days earlier.
He said he believed he was dreaming when he tried to shut down the engines. Following the incident, he founded a non-profit aimed at helping pilots address health struggles, and some of his service hours will be completed through that group.
The case has drawn attention to the risks of impairment in aviation and the safeguards in place to protect passengers when unexpected crises occur in the cockpit.