Archive · 12 Dec 2025
Alaska Pilot Attempts to Shut Down Engines Mid-Flight
A former Alaska Airlines pilot named Joseph Emerson tried to turn off the engines of a plane while he was flying as a passenger.
He was not on duty but was sitting in the cockpit.
The pilot and co-pilot stopped him and safely landed the plane in Portland.
Emerson said he had taken psychedelic mushrooms two days before and hadn't slept for 40 hours.
He was dreaming when he tried to turn off the engines.
He apologized and was sentenced to community service and had to stay away from all aircraft.
Authorities said he was in a dissociative state and believed pulling the handles would wake him up.
He pleaded guilty and received a sentence of time served, community service, and mandatory treatments.
Former Alaska Airlines pilot Joseph Emerson attempted to shut down the engines of a Horizon Air flight with 83 passengers on board.
Emerson was off-duty and sitting in the cockpit jumpseat during the October 2023 flight from Seattle to San Francisco.
The pilot and co-pilot restrained Emerson and safely landed the plane at Portland International Airport.
Emerson admitted to taking psychedelic mushrooms two days prior and not sleeping for 40 hours while grieving a friend's death.
Emerson pleaded guilty to state and federal charges, receiving a sentence of time served, 3 years of supervised release, and 5 years of probation.
- Who
- Joseph Emerson, a former Alaska Airlines pilot
- What
- Attempted to shut down the engines of a commercial flight
- When
- October 2023
- Where
- Mid-flight from Seattle to San Francisco, diverted to Portland International Airport
- Why
- Under the influence of psychedelic mushrooms and sleep-deprived while grieving a friend's death
Emerson's Defense
Authorities' Stance
State of Mind
Emerson's Defense
Emerson claims he was in a dissociative state due to psychedelic mushrooms and sleep deprivation, believing he was in a dream.
Authorities' Stance
Authorities argue that Emerson's actions were deliberate and dangerous, warranting legal consequences.
- Pilot's Name
- Joseph Emerson
- Flight Details
- Horizon Air-operated Embraer E75 from Seattle to San Francisco
- Passengers On Board
- 83
- Pilot's Condition
- Under the influence of psychedelic mushrooms and sleep-deprived
- Incident Date
- October 2023
- Landing Location
- Portland International Airport
- Pilot's Sentence
- Time served (46 days), 3 years supervised release, 5 years probation
Sources
'High On Mushrooms': Alaska Airlines Pilot Tries To Shut Engines Mid-Flight, Cockpit Audio Surfaces
High On Mushrooms, Alaska Air Pilot Tries To Shut Off Plane Engines Mid-Air. He Was Off-Duty
Shocking! Cockpit audio reveals Alaska pilot tried to shut off engines of plane from Seattle to San Francisco mid-flight
