A 46-year-old ex-Alaska Airlines pilot, Joseph David Emerson, confessed to authorities about his attempt to disable the engines of a passenger plane while not on duty in the cockpit. In a recent court ruling in Portland, Oregon, U.S. District Judge Amy Baggio sentenced Emerson to time served and three years of supervised release, differing from the prosecutors’ request for a one-year prison term.
The unsettling event occurred on October 22, 2023, during Horizon Air Flight 2059, an Alaska Airlines-operated flight from Washington to San Francisco. Emerson, a passenger in the cockpit, reached for two red fire suppression handles, intending to cut off fuel to the plane’s engines, as detailed in court records.
Despite his actions, the primary pilots and crew restrained Emerson, diverting the plane to Portland where it landed safely with 84 individuals onboard. After spending 46 days in jail, Emerson was released pending trial in December 2023.
Emerson disclosed to law enforcement that he was mourning the loss of a friend and had been sleepless for about 48 hours before the incident. He mentioned consuming psychedelic mushrooms two days prior, believing he was in a dream state and trying to wake himself up.
During an interview with ABC News, Emerson expressed feeling trapped in the aircraft, fearing he would never return home. He described a sense of unreality and confusion, leading him to attempt to disable the engines, thinking it would awaken him from what he perceived as a dream.
Following his guilty plea to federal charges and a no-contest plea to state accusations in September 2024, Emerson addressed the court before sentencing, expressing remorse for his actions and acknowledging the personal growth resulting from the incident. He credited the flight crew for saving lives and emphasized the positive impact the ordeal had on his personal development and relationships.
Support from Emerson’s wife, Sarah Stretch, and others highlighted his transformation and resilience in response to the situation during the hearing. Despite the challenges faced, Emerson’s journey through the event was described as a catalyst for positive change and growth, illustrating courage and strength in adversity.