Former Pilot Pleads Guilty After Attempting to Cut Engines Midflight, Cites Psychedelic Use and Depression

A former pilot who attempted to shut down the engines of an Alaska Airlines plane while riding off-duty in the cockpit pleaded guilty in federal court on Friday, admitting he had taken psychedelic mushrooms and been struggling with depression at the time of the incident.

Joseph David Emerson faces federal charges of reckless endangerment and first-degree endangering an aircraft stemming from the Oct. 22, 2023, episode aboard Flight 2059. The flight, en route from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco, California, was diverted to Portland, Oregon. Prosecutors said 84 people were aboard the flight; airline records indicate 80 passengers were on board.

Court documents say Emerson told the pilots "I am not okay" before attempting to cut the engines. One pilot wrestled with Emerson until he stopped resisting, and the entire episode lasted about 90 seconds, the complaint said. After being removed from the cockpit and restrained, Emerson told flight attendants, "You need to cuff me right now or it's going to be bad," and later tried to reach for an emergency exit handle during the aircraft's descent, the documents state. A flight attendant reported hearing Emerson say, "I messed everything up" and that he "tried to kill everybody."

In state court in Oregon, Emerson pleaded no-contest to reckless endangerment and first-degree endangering an aircraft and was sentenced to 50 days in jail—time he has already served—five years' probation, 664 hours of community service and $60,659 in restitution. The community service was calculated at eight hours for each person prosecutors said he endangered. Under his federal plea agreement, prosecutors may recommend a one-year prison sentence; his attorneys are expected to argue against additional jail time. Federal sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 17.

Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney Eric Pickard said in court that Emerson's actions were "reckless, selfish, and criminal," adding that authorities should remember how close the incident came to devastating the lives of the people on board and their families. Emerson acknowledged in court that his use of mushrooms impaired his perception of reality but added, "that doesn't make this right." He also told the judge the episode prompted personal change, saying he had become a better father and husband after confronting alcohol and substance problems.

Following his arrest, Emerson and his wife founded Clear Skies Ahead, a nonprofit focused on pilot health. The state sentencing allows him to perform up to half of his required community service hours there. As part of his probation, Emerson must undergo assessment for drug and alcohol use, abstain from non-prescribed drugs, and remain at least 25 feet away from operable jets unless he has permission from his probation officer.

The case has drawn attention to issues of substance use and mental health among aviation personnel. Federal law and airline policies strictly prohibit impairment of crew or passengers, and endangering an aircraft carries criminal penalties designed to deter conduct that could imperil public safety. Authorities said the swift actions of the flight crew and attendants prevented further escalation during the October flight.

Prosecutors have indicated the plea resolves the federal case but leaves sentencing discretion to the court. Emerson's lawyers have signaled they will emphasize his prior service, expressed remorse and the steps he has taken toward recovery in arguing against additional incarceration. The federal judge will determine the sentence after a scheduled hearing on Nov. 17.