A former airline pilot who attempted to shut down a passenger jet's engines during a flight while under the influence of psychedelic substances will not face additional prison time, a United States federal judge has ruled.
The In-Flight Emergency
Joseph Emerson, an off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot, was riding in the cockpit's jump seat on a Horizon Air flight from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco in October 2023 when the alarming incident unfolded. Emerson reportedly grabbed two red handles in the cockpit, an action which, if completed, would have activated the aircraft's fire suppression system and cut fuel to the engines.
The quick-thinking flight crew managed to subdue him, preventing a potential catastrophe. The plane, carrying more than 80 people, was safely diverted to Portland, Oregon.
A Deeper Struggle Revealed
Following his arrest, Emerson told police investigators that he had been emotionally distressed over a friend's death. He disclosed that he had consumed psychedelic magic mushrooms approximately 48 hours prior to the flight and had not slept for more than 40 hours.
In a poignant statement to the court, Emerson reflected on his actions, stating, "I'm not a victim. I am here as a direct result of my actions." He added that the event had forced him to confront his personal struggles, calling his subsequent journey to address his mental health and alcohol dependence "the greatest gift I ever received."
The Legal Outcome and a Judge's Warning
On Tuesday 18 November 2025, Judge Amy Baggio in the US District Court in Portland sentenced Emerson to time served—he had already spent 46 days in jail—and three years of supervised release. The judge characterised the case as a cautionary tale, remarking, "Pilots are not perfect. They are human. They are people and all people need help sometimes."
Geoffrey Barrow, the assistant US attorney, emphasised the gravity of the situation, noting that 84 people could have lost their lives and crediting the crew with saving the day. In a separate state case, Emerson received a sentence of 50 days in jail (with credit for time served), five years of probation, and 664 hours of community service.
Since his release from custody in December 2023, Emerson has undergone treatment for an alcohol use disorder and has remained sober, according to his attorney, Ethan Levi.
