On 5/9, 46-year-old Joseph Emerson, a former Alaska Airlines pilot, pleaded guilty in federal court as part of an agreement with prosecutors. Regarding state-level charges, Emerson is expected to enter a no-contest plea but accept the sentencing, which has the same legal effect as a guilty plea.

In July, Emerson stated he would take full responsibility for the incident that occurred in 10/2023. According to his defense attorney, the plea agreement was reached because Emerson wanted to be accountable for his actions and hoped to avoid further jail time.

Joseph Emerson was a pilot for Alaska Airlines when the 2023 incident occurred. Photo: NYTimes

On 22/10/2023, Emerson was restrained by the flight crew after attempting to shut down the engines of a Horizon Air (a subsidiary of Alaska Airlines) flight from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco.

That day, Emerson was assigned to accompany the flight, sitting in the jump seat in the cockpit behind the captain and first officer. Following the incident, the plane was diverted to Portland and landed safely with 84 people on board.

Emerson explained he was suffering from depression due to the recent death of a close friend and had consumed hallucinogenic mushrooms about two days prior. He also hadn't slept in over 40 hours. He believed he was dreaming and tried to wake himself up by grabbing two red handles, which activate the aircraft's fire suppression system and cut off fuel to the engines.

Emerson initially faced 83 counts of attempted murder, corresponding to the 83 people on board, but the charges were later reduced. He was charged in federal court with interfering with a flight crew. The state charges in Oregon accused him of 83 counts of reckless endangerment and one count of menacing aircraft safety.

Emerson previously pleaded not guilty to all charges. He was released on bail in 12/2023 while awaiting trial, under the conditions of undergoing mental health treatment, drug and alcohol rehabilitation, and staying away from aircraft.

Under the federal agreement, prosecutors could recommend a maximum sentence of one year in prison, while the defense attorney requested no further penalties. The state agreement includes five years of probation, 664 hours of community service, and USD 60,569 in restitution, almost all of which will go to Alaska Air Group.

Half of Emerson’s community service can be performed at Clear Skies Ahead, a non-profit pilot health care organization he and his wife founded after the incident. He must also undergo drug and alcohol assessments and mental health treatment, refrain from using any non-prescribed medications, and maintain a distance of at least 7.6 meters from operable aircraft unless permitted by his probation officer. Emerson said he has been free from drugs and alcohol since the incident.

This near-disaster has raised concerns about cockpit safety and the mental health of those allowed in the cockpit.

Tue Anh (via CBS)