A pilot has been sentenced over a disturbing incident involving an Alaska Airlines Embraer E75 regional jet. The pilot, who was suffering from severe lack of sleep and was under the influence of magic mushrooms, is accused of trying to shut down the aircraft mid-flight. The plane was travelling from Seattle to San Francisco in 2023 with 83 passengers and crew on board.
Notably, the pilot involved was not flying the aircraft. Joseph Emerson was off duty and seated in the cockpit’s jump seat because the flight was full. During the flight, he suddenly reached for two overhead engine shut-off handles, which are meant to be used only in case of an engine fire.
Attempted to shut down the aircraft engines
Audio from the cockpit later revealed another pilot stopping Emerson and shouting at him. After being restrained, Emerson appeared shocked and asked air traffic control for permission to make an emergency landing. The aircraft landed safely, and Emerson was arrested soon after.
Emerson admits to using magic mushrooms
According to CBS News, the airline clarified that off-duty pilots are sometimes allowed to sit in the jump seat when no passenger seats are available. During questioning, Emerson admitted he had consumed magic mushrooms two days earlier. He said he felt confused and trapped, believing that pulling the handles would “wake him up.” He later realised he was fully awake and described those moments as the most critical seconds of his life.
Pilot Joseph Emerson was sentenced to 46 days in jail
Emerson pleaded guilty to obstructing the flight crew. In return for his guilty plea, he served 46 days in jail before being released. He will now be on supervised release for three years and permanently prohibited from flying.
