Joseph Emerson, former pilot for Alaska Airlines, received a sentence of time served and three years’ supervised release on Monday for attempting to shut down the engines of a passenger flight in October 2023. U. S. District Court Judge Amy Baggio delivered the ruling in Portland, Oregon, rejecting federal prosecutors’ request for a one-year prison sentence in favor of the probation sought by Emerson’s defense team. The airline industry’s broader challenges include ongoing issues with air traffic controller staffing levels and infrastructure strain as the federal government shutdown ends. The case has also drawn attention to the immense pressures pilots face and the barriers that may prevent them from seeking help for mental health issues, alcohol dependence or substance abuse without jeopardizing their careers. What To Know Emerson, 44, was initially arrested by Port of Portland Police and booked around 4 a. m. October 23, 2023, facing 83 counts of attempted murder-charges that were later reduced through plea agreements. He had been seated in the flight deck jump seat as an off-duty pilot when he attempted to disrupt operation of the engines. Emerson told authorities he was despondent over a friend’s recent death, had taken psychedelic mushrooms about two days earlier, and hadn’t slept in more than 40 hours. He believed he was dreaming and was trying to wake up by grabbing two red handles that would have activated the fire suppression system and cut fuel to the engines. He spent 46 days in jail and was released pending trial in December 2023, with requirements including mental health services, abstaining from drugs and alcohol and staying away from aircraft. Attorney Ethan Levi described his client’s actions as “a product of untreated alcohol use disorder,” saying Emerson had been drinking and accepted mushrooms “because of his lower inhibitions.” Emerson has been sober since entering treatment after his release from jail. In addition to the federal sentence, a state court in Oregon separately sentenced him to 50 days in jail with credit for time served, five years’ probation, 664 hours of community service and over $60,000 in restitution to Alaska Air Group. He pleaded guilty or no-contest to all charges in September, including federal charges of interfering with a flight crew and 83 state counts of endangering another person. What People Are Saying Baggio: “Pilots are not perfect. They are human. They are people and all people need help sometimes.” Emerson, to the court before sentencing: “I’m not a victim. I am here as a direct result of my actions. I can tell you that this very tragic event has forced me to grow as an individual.” Assistant U. S. Attorney Geoffrey Barrow said the flight crew “saved the day by intervening” and told the court: “There were 84 people on that plane who could have lost their lives.” What Happens Next? Emerson will complete three years of supervised release with ongoing requirements for mental health treatment and abstaining from drugs and alcohol. He must also fulfill his state sentence obligations, including community service-half of which he can serve at his own pilot health nonprofit. Reporting from the Associated Press contributed to this article.
https://www.newsweek.com/pilot-who-tried-to-cut-engines-mid-flight-avoids-prison-time-11062958
Pilot Who Tried to Cut Engines Mid-Flight Avoids Prison Time
