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Pilot who tried to cut off engine midair after taking mushrooms pleads guilty

September 6, 2025

Joseph David Emerson, a former pilot, has pleaded guilty to attempting to shut off the engines of an Alaska Airlines passenger jet while riding off-duty in the cockpit. The incident occurred on October 22, 2023, when Emerson told pilots "I am not okay" before attempting to cut the engines during the flight from Washington to California, later admitting to police he had taken psychedelic mushrooms and was struggling with depression. Under his plea agreement, prosecutors can recommend a one-year prison sentence, while in Oregon state court, he has already been sentenced to 50 days in jail (already served), five years' probation, 664 hours of community service, and over $60,000 in restitution.

Who is affected

  • The 80 passengers aboard Alaska Airlines Flight 2059
  • The flight crew and pilots who had to intervene
  • The families and friends of everyone on the flight (84 people total)
  • Joseph David Emerson and his family

What action is being taken

  • Emerson has pleaded guilty in federal court and no-contest in Oregon state court
  • The state court has sentenced Emerson to probation, community service, and restitution
  • Emerson is being assessed for drug and alcohol use
  • Emerson must refrain from using non-prescribed drugs and stay at least 25 feet away from operable jets without permission from his probation officer
  • Emerson is allowed to serve half his community service hours at Clear Skies Ahead, a non-profit for pilot health that he founded with his wife

Why it matters

  • The incident endangered the lives of 84 people aboard Flight 2059
  • It highlights serious concerns about mental health and substance use among airline pilots
  • The case establishes legal precedent for how the justice system handles incidents involving off-duty pilots who endanger flights
  • The sentencing includes both punishment and rehabilitation components, including community service focused on pilot health

What's next

  • Emerson's sentencing in the federal case is scheduled for November 17
  • Prosecutors can recommend a one-year prison sentence while his attorneys are expected to argue for no additional jail time

Read full article from source: BBC