A former Alaska Airlines pilot has agreed to a plea deal with prosecutors after attempting to disrupt a passenger plane mid-flight while under the influence of magic mushrooms. Joseph Emerson, 46, was not on duty when he tried to interfere with a Horizon Air flight bound for San Francisco in 2023 by tampering with the engine fuel supply. The incident occurred with over 80 individuals on board, but the crew managed to restrain him, and the plane was diverted to Portland, Oregon, where it landed safely.
Emerson later explained that he had ingested psychedelic mushrooms 48 hours before the flight, had been awake for more than 40 hours, and was grappling with depression following the death of a close pilot friend. He believed he was trapped in a hallucination during the flight from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco.
Initially facing 83 counts of attempted murder, Emerson’s charges were reduced. He was federally charged with interfering with a flight crew and faced state charges of endangering others and aircraft safety. While he had previously pleaded not guilty, he is now expected to plead guilty to the federal charge and no contest to the state charges.
His lawyer, Noah Horst, stated that Emerson wished to take responsibility for his actions to avoid further incarceration. Emerson was released in December 2023 under certain conditions, including mental health treatment, abstaining from substances, and avoiding aircraft.
Following the incident, Emerson established a nonprofit organization focusing on pilot mental health. During an appearance on Good Morning America with his wife, Sarah, Emerson disclosed his past struggles with alcoholism and expressed gratitude for the positive changes the event had brought to his life, including more time with his children and improved marital relations.