An ex-pilot formerly with Alaska Airlines, Joseph Emerson, has been spared jail time after attempting to disable the engines of a passenger jet. Emerson, who was off-duty and seated in the cockpit of a Horizon Air flight from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco on October 22, 2023, tried to interfere with the aircraft’s engines. The flight crew intervened, preventing a potential disaster, and the plane safely landed in Portland with over 80 passengers onboard.
Following a hearing in Portland, Oregon, US District Court Judge Amy Baggio sentenced Emerson to time served and three years of supervised release. Federal prosecutors had sought a one-year prison sentence, while Emerson’s defense team had requested probation. Judge Baggio acknowledged that pilots, like everyone, are prone to imperfections and sometimes require assistance.
Emerson explained to authorities after his arrest that he was struggling emotionally due to a friend’s recent passing, had consumed psychedelic mushrooms days earlier, and had been awake for over 40 hours. He claimed he thought he was dreaming and was trying to wake himself up by attempting to activate the plane’s fire suppression system and cut off fuel to the engines.
Before his sentencing, Emerson expressed remorse for the harm caused and acknowledged his responsibility for the incident. He emphasized personal growth resulting from the ordeal. Following the judge’s decision to release him, Emerson embraced his attorneys and tearfully reunited with his wife, acknowledging the lessons learned from the experience.
Emerson had previously pleaded guilty or no-contest to charges filed by state and federal authorities. He faced federal charges of interfering with a flight crew and state charges in Oregon related to endangering passengers and aircraft. Prior to his trial, Emerson was released on conditions requiring mental health treatment, abstinence from drugs and alcohol, and avoidance of aircraft.
In a sentencing memorandum, federal prosecutors praised the flight crew for their heroic actions that prevented a tragedy. Emerson’s attorneys had requested probation, citing the significant consequences he had already faced through state prosecution.
Emerson expressed gratitude to the flight crew for saving lives by restraining him and reflected on the positive impact the incident had on his personal growth. Despite losing his career and facing legal consequences, Emerson viewed the experience as transformative, leading to improved relationships and self-awareness.
The airline confirmed that there were no indications of impairment observed by other crew members prior to the incident, prompting a renewed focus on cockpit safety and the mental well-being of individuals granted cockpit access.
