Judges Rules On Fate Of Off-Duty Pilot Who Tried To Cut Plane's Engines

A federal judge in Portland, Oregon, ruled that former Alaska Airlines pilot Joseph Emerson will not serve prison time after attempting to cut the engines of a passenger flight in 2023. Judge Amy Baggio sentenced Emerson to time served and three years of supervised release on Monday (November 17). The case highlighted the need for increased mental health support for pilots.

Emerson, who was off-duty and riding in the cockpit, attempted to cut the engines of a Horizon Air flight from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco on October 22, 2023. The flight crew subdued him, and the plane, carrying over 80 passengers, safely diverted to Portland. After his arrest, Emerson told police he was distressed over a friend's death, had taken psychedelic mushrooms two days earlier, and had not slept for over 40 hours. He claimed he believed he was dreaming when he tried to activate the plane's fire suppression system.

Emerson pleaded guilty to interfering with a flight crew and faced state charges of endangering others and an aircraft. He was sentenced to 50 days in jail, with credit for time served, five years of probation, and 664 hours of community service. He must also pay over $60,000 in restitution, primarily to Alaska Air Group. Half of his community service can be performed at a pilot health nonprofit he founded after his arrest.

Judge Baggio emphasized the human aspect of pilots, stating, "They are people and all people need help sometimes." Emerson expressed regret for his actions, acknowledging the incident forced him to confront his mental health challenges and reliance on alcohol. His wife, Sarah Stretch, spoke at the hearing, highlighting his growth and resilience.

The case has renewed attention on cockpit safety and the mental fitness of pilots. Federal prosecutors had sought a one-year prison sentence, but Emerson's attorneys argued for probation, citing the substantial punishment from state prosecution.