- Joseph David Emerson, a former Alaska Airlines pilot, has pleaded guilty in federal court after attempting to shut down a passenger jet’s engines mid-flight while riding off-duty in the cockpit.
- The incident, which endangered 84 lives, has sparked renewed scrutiny of pilot mental health and aviation safety protocols. Emerson’s sentencing is scheduled for November 17.
Joseph David Emerson, the former pilot who triggered a midair emergency aboard Alaska Airlines Flight 2059, has pleaded guilty in federal court to interfering with flight crew members. The plea follows a harrowing incident in October 2023, when Emerson, riding off-duty in the cockpit jump seat, attempted to shut down the aircraft’s engines mid-flight.
The plane, en route from Everett, Washington to San Francisco, was diverted to Portland, Oregon after Emerson tried to pull the engine fire suppression handles. Court documents reveal that he had taken psychedelic mushrooms two days prior and was experiencing hallucinations, believing he was trapped in a dream.
The incident lasted roughly 90 seconds, during which the flight crew physically restrained Emerson and removed him from the cockpit. He later attempted to reach for the emergency exit handle during descent and reportedly told flight attendants he had “messed everything up.”
In Oregon state court, Emerson pleaded no contest to reckless endangerment and endangering an aircraft. He was sentenced to 50 days in jail—already served—along with five years of probation, 664 hours of community service, and over $60,000 in restitution. Half of his service hours may be completed at Clear Skies Ahead, a nonprofit he co-founded to support pilot mental health.
As part of his probation, Emerson must undergo drug and alcohol assessments, avoid non-prescribed substances, and stay at least 25 feet away from operable aircraft unless authorized.
Federal prosecutors may recommend up to one year in prison, while Emerson’s attorneys are expected to argue for no additional jail time. His sentencing in the federal case is set for November 17.
The case has reignited conversations around mental health in aviation, with passengers and crew still grappling with the trauma of the near-catastrophe. Emerson, now permanently banned from flying, says the experience has led him to seek help and rebuild his life.
