Pilot Who Attempted Mid-Flight Engine Shutdown Accepts Plea Deal
Joseph David Emerson appears in Multnomah County Circuit Court for sentencing on Fri., Sept. 5, 2025, in Portland, Oregon. (Vickie Connor/The Oregonian via AP, Pool)
A former Alaska Airlines pilot who attempted to disable a plane’s engines mid-flight in 2023 has avoided prison time on state charges. Joseph Emerson, who was off-duty and riding in the cockpit jump seat, pleaded no contest Friday in Oregon state court to reckless endangerment and first-degree endangering an aircraft.
Under a plea deal, he was sentenced to time served—50 days in jail—along with five years of probation, 664 hours of community service, and over $60,000 in restitution. Originally charged with 83 counts of attempted murder, Emerson was not indicted on those charges by a grand jury.
In federal court, Emerson has pleaded guilty to a felony charge of interfering with a flight crew, which carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years. However, prosecutors have agreed to recommend no more than one year in prison. Emerson’s attorneys plan to ask for probation at his sentencing, scheduled for November 17.
The October 22, 2023 incident occurred on a flight from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco. Emerson allegedly tried to cut fuel to the engines while hallucinating from psychedelic mushrooms he had taken days earlier. He told investigators he believed he was dreaming and was stopped by the pilot and co-pilot.
Speaking in court, Emerson acknowledged the seriousness of his actions and their impact:
“What happened was wrong and should not have happened, and I bear the responsibility for that,” he said.
He also said the experience forced him to confront his mental health struggles and alcohol use.
One passenger, Alison Snyder, told the court:
“The choices that Joseph Emerson made that day and the policies that allowed them nearly led to our deaths.”
Emerson has since co-founded a nonprofit with his wife to support pilots dealing with mental health issues. Half of his community service hours may be completed through that organization. He has also been traveling the country—by car—to speak about the challenges pilots face and the dangers of substance use. When a prosecutor read a letter suggesting he speak to students about the risks of psychedelics, Emerson responded:
“I am more than happy to speak to as many schools as possible for the rest of my life.”
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