Former Off‑Duty Pilot Pleads Guilty After Trying to Shut Jet Engines Midflight, Cites Psychedelic Use

A former pilot who prosecutors say attempted to shut off the engines of an Alaska Airlines passenger jet midflight pleaded guilty in federal court Friday, admitting he had taken psychedelic mushrooms and struggled with depression before the October incident.

Joseph David Emerson, an off‑duty pilot who was riding in the cockpit jump seat, told the flight crew "I am not okay" and reached for controls during the Oct. 22, 2023, flight from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco, California, court documents say. The flight, carrying about 80 passengers and four crew members, was diverted to Portland, Oregon, after the episode.

In court filings, prosecutors said Emerson tried to cut the engines midair. One pilot wrestled with him until he stopped resisting and was removed from the cockpit; the entire episode lasted about 90 seconds, the complaint states. After being restrained, Emerson told flight attendants, "You need to cuff me right now or it's going to be bad," and tried to reach for the emergency exit handle during the aircraft's descent, according to investigators. A flight attendant reported Emerson saying, "I messed everything up" and that he "tried to kill everybody."

Under a federal plea agreement, Emerson admitted the charges and faces a possible recommendation by prosecutors of a one‑year prison term, while his defense attorneys are expected to argue against additional jail time. Emerson previously pleaded no‑contest to reckless endangerment and first‑degree endangering an aircraft in Oregon state court, where he was sentenced to 50 days in jail — a term he has already served — five years of probation, 664 hours of community service and restitution totaling $60,659.

Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Eric Pickard said in court that Emerson's actions were "reckless, selfish, and criminal," noting how close the incident came to harming the 84 people aboard Flight 2059. Emerson told the court he had been unable to perceive reality after taking mushrooms, but added, "that doesn't make this right." He also said the experience had prompted personal change, stating it had made him "a better father, a better husband, a better member of my community."

As part of his state sentence, Emerson may perform half of his community service hours at Clear Skies Ahead, a nonprofit focused on pilot health that he and his wife established after his arrest. Additional conditions include assessment for drug and alcohol use, a prohibition on non‑prescribed drugs, and an order to stay at least 25 feet away from operable aircraft without permission from his probation officer, according to court records.

Federal sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 17. Prosecutors and defense attorneys will have the opportunity to present arguments about an appropriate penalty under federal law. The case has drawn attention from both criminal authorities and aviation safety advocates because it involved cockpit access by an off‑duty crew member and the role of substance use and mental health in aviation safety.

The incident has also underscored regulatory and industry concerns about pilot fitness for duty and the potential risks posed by impaired individuals in critical flight areas. Emerson's establishment of a pilot‑focused health nonprofit and the court‑ordered assessments reflect a focus on treatment and monitoring in addition to criminal accountability.

Investigations by airline, federal and local authorities followed the Oct. 22 episode, and records show crew members acted quickly to restrain Emerson and secure the flight. No injuries were reported. The federal case will determine whether Emerson receives additional incarceration, probation terms, or other penalties under federal statutes governing aircraft endangerment and reckless conduct.