A U.S. judge has ruled that former Alaska Airlines pilot Joseph Emerson, who attempted to shut off a passenger jet’s engines mid-flight in 2023, will serve no additional prison time, sentencing him to time served and three years’ supervised release.
Emerson, who blamed the incident on a severe mental breakdown triggered by hallucinogenic mushrooms, had already received probation and a short jail term on state charges, while his federal plea deal allowed him to avoid a potential 20-year sentence.
In court, Emerson expressed deep remorse, saying he alone was responsible for his actions.
The terrifying 90-second struggle aboard the diverted flight involved pilots restraining him and flight attendants later cuffing him after he tried to reach an emergency exit handle.
Emerson has since lost his pilot’s licence, paid USD $60,000 in restitution, and says he is committed to substance-abuse counselling work and raising awareness of mental health issues among pilots.
Joseph Emerson, the former Alaska Airlines pilot accused of trying to cut the engines of a passenger flight while off-duty, has just bailed out of jail. He did not speak with reporters. pic.twitter.com/3orgb24ihK
— Katherine Cook (@KCookKGW) December 8, 2023
