Off-duty pilot who tried shutting down engines after taking psychedelic mushrooms pleads guilty
Share and Follow

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

A former Alaska Airlines pilot who attempted to disable the engines of a 2023 passenger flight while riding off duty in the cockpit — after taking psychedelic mushrooms — pleaded guilty or no contest to all charges Friday and expressed regret for endangering passengers and damaging his profession.

Joseph Emerson, who was restrained by the flight crew after trying to cut the engines of a Horizon Air flight carrying more than 80 people, reached plea agreements with state and federal prosecutors to take accountability and avoid further jail time, the Associated Press reported, citing his attorney, Noah Horst.

The October 2023 flight from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco diverted to Portland after Emerson pulled handles in the cockpit that could have cut fuel to the engines. The plane landed safely, according to the Associated Press.

“This difficult journey has made me a better father, a better husband, a better member of my community,” Emerson said. “Today I get to be the dad I was incapable of when I had to use alcohol to deal with life as life is.”

But one passenger on the flight, Alison Snyder, said she would never again feel as comfortable flying.

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines confirmed the incident took place on one of its flights in Seattle, Washington. (Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)

“Mr. Emerson knew he was not fit to fly, a requirement for sitting in the cockpit,” Snyder said. “Joseph Emerson’s behavior that day showed he lacks the judgment to be a pilot and should never be allowed anywhere near a flight deck ever again.”

Emerson was charged federally with interfering with a flight crew, and in Oregon, he was charged with 83 counts of endangering another person and one of endangering an aircraft. He previously pleaded not guilty to all charges, according to the Associated Press.

Noah Horst and Alaska Airlines did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Adam Erkan pleads guilty to battery in attack on Jewish students on DePaul University Lincoln Park campus

Shocking Assault on DePaul Campus: Adam Erkan Admits Guilt in Targeted Battery Against Jewish Students

CHICAGO — Just over a year after an assault occurred on the…
Trump's mocked Oval Office sign vanishes

Mysterious Disappearance: Trump’s Controversial Oval Office Sign Removed

In an unexpected twist, three sheets of decal paper appeared outside the…
DC teen to serve less than 4 months in jail for carjacking

DC Teen Receives Short Jail Sentence for Carjacking Conviction

An 18-year-old from Washington, D.C., involved in a carjacking incident will spend…
Virginia high school football coach goes missing during team's undefeated season

Virginia High School Football Coach Vanishes, Now Listed as ‘Fugitive’ by Police

The Virginia State Police are actively searching for Travis L. Turner, a…
Senate Democrats ask Hegseth, Bondi to declassify DOJ memo on drug boat strikes

Senate Democrats Urge Hegseth and Bondi to Declassify DOJ Memo on Drug Vessel Interceptions

(The Hill) – Senate Democrats are pressing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and…
Biden admin forced airports to house migrants, risk safety: bombshell Senate report

Senate Report Unveils Biden Administration’s Use of Airports for Migrant Housing, Sparking Safety Concerns

A recent Senate report has unveiled allegations that the Biden administration urged…
Massive bar raid in Arizona ends with 249 arrests: 'Underage drinking is not a minor issue!'

Arizona Crackdown: Sweeping Bar Raid Leads to 249 Arrests in Major Underage Drinking Bust

A significant crackdown on underage drinking in Tempe, Arizona, resulted in 249…
Trump considers ousting FBI head Kash Patel amid backlash

Trump Weighs Replacing FBI Leader Kash Patel Amid Growing Controversy

There are whispers circulating in political circles that Donald Trump is contemplating…