Off-duty pilot who tried to cut a flight’s engines midair is released without prison time

Joseph Emerson, a former Alaska Airlines pilot who attempted to disable the engines of a Horizon Air flight in October 2023, received a sentence of time served and supervised release from a federal judge. The incident occurred while Emerson was riding in the cockpit jump seat on a flight from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco. The flight crew successfully subdued Emerson, and the plane was diverted to Portland, Oregon, with over 80 passengers on board.

Emerson, who had pleaded guilty to interfering with a flight crew, stated that he was experiencing a mental health crisis, exacerbated by a friend's death, recent use of psychedelic mushrooms, and sleep deprivation. He claimed to have believed he was dreaming and was trying to wake himself up. The judge acknowledged the severity of the incident but emphasized Emerson's remorse, acceptance of responsibility, and commitment to addressing his mental health issues.

Federal prosecutors had sought a one-year prison sentence, while Emerson's attorneys argued for probation, citing his acceptance of responsibility and the "substantial punishment" already imposed by the state court. The state court sentenced him to 50 days in jail, five years of probation, community service, and restitution to Alaska Air Group. As part of his probation, Emerson must undergo mental health and substance abuse assessments and treatment.

The averted disaster has renewed scrutiny of cockpit safety protocols and the mental health screening of aviation professionals. Alaska Airlines has stated that other crew members did not observe any signs of impairment that would have prevented Emerson from being in the cockpit. The case highlights the critical importance of mental health support for pilots and the potential consequences of untreated mental health issues in the aviation industry.