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Former Alaska Airlines pilot Joseph Emerson pleaded guilty in federal court after trying to shut down a Horizon Air flight’s engines in October 2023.
Authorities say Emerson, riding in the cockpit jump seat, grabbed emergency handles that would’ve cut off fuel mid-air. The crew stopped him, and the plane landed safely in Portland with 80+ people on board.
Prosecutors revealed he hadn’t slept in 40+ hours, had used psychedelic mushrooms days earlier, and believed he was “dreaming” at the time.
Under the deal:
- Up to 1 year in prison (federal)
- 5 years probation (state)
- 664 hours of community service
- $60,569 restitution
Emerson, who has remained sober since, co-founded a nonprofit to support pilot mental health.
