Off-Duty Pilot's Mid-Air Engine Shutdown Attempt
An off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot, who attempted to shut down the engines of a passenger jet mid-flight, has walked free from court after a judge credited the heroic actions of the cabin crew who restrained him. Joseph Emerson was riding in the cockpit's jump seat on a Horizon Air flight from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco on 22 October 2023, when he suddenly tried to activate the engine fire suppression system.
Crew's Quick Thinking Averts Catastrophe
The flight crew immediately tackled Emerson, preventing him from cutting fuel to the engines and averting a potential disaster. The aircraft, carrying more than 80 people, was safely diverted to Portland, Oregon. During a hearing in Portland, US District Court Judge Amy Baggio sentenced Emerson to time already served and three years of supervised release, despite federal prosecutors requesting a one-year prison term.
Judge Baggio remarked, "Pilots are not perfect. They are human. They are people and all people need help sometimes." Following his arrest, Emerson told investigators he had been struggling with the recent death of a friend, had consumed psychedelic mushrooms approximately two days prior, and had not slept for over 40 hours. He claimed he believed he was in a dream and was trying to wake himself up when he reached for the two red handles that would have activated the fire suppression system.
A Cautionary Tale and Path to Rehabilitation
Before the sentence was announced, Emerson addressed the court, expressing remorse. "I'm not a victim. I am here as a direct result of my actions," he stated. "I can tell you that this very tragic event has forced me to grow as an individual." He pleaded guilty or no-contest to all charges in September as part of agreements with state and federal prosecutors.
In a separate state case, Emerson was sentenced to 50 days in jail, with credit for time served, plus five years of probation and 664 hours of community service—eight hours for each person on the flight. He was also ordered to pay over $60,000 (£45,000) in restitution, primarily to Alaska Air Group. Half of his community service can be completed with the pilot health nonprofit he founded after the incident.
His wife, Sarah Stretch, spoke emotionally on his behalf, telling the judge, "I am so sorry for those that it's impacted... But I am extremely proud to be here with this man today." She highlighted his resilience and the personal growth he has demonstrated since the event. Emerson himself acknowledged the flight crew, saying their actions in restraining him were "the greatest gift I ever got," as it forced him to confront his mental health challenges.
The case has renewed significant focus on cockpit safety protocols and the importance of mental health support for aviation professionals.
