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Off-duty pilot who tried to cut a flight’s engines midair to be sentenced in federal case
Joseph Emerson received time served and three years supervised release after pleading guilty to interfering with a flight crew on a Horizon Air flight with 84 people aboard.
- On Monday, U.S. District Court Judge Amy Baggio sentenced Joseph Emerson to time served and three years of supervised release at a Portland hearing, closing the federal sentencing phase.
- Emerson told police he was despondent over a friend's death, took psychedelic mushrooms two days earlier, and hadn’t slept in over 40 hours, believing he was dreaming when he grabbed two red handles.
- A state court ordered 50 days in jail with credit for time served, five years' probation, 664 hours of community service—eight hours per person endangered—and over $60,000 restitution to Alaska Air Group, allowing half the service at a pilot health nonprofit.
- Federal prosecutors sought one year in prison, arguing the flight crew's restraint prevented loss of life and renewed attention on cockpit safety and mental fitness.
- He was released pending trial in December 2023 under conditions requiring mental health services, staying off drugs and alcohol, and keeping at least 25 feet from operable aircraft after the diversion to Portland with more than 80 passengers.
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A federal judge exempted a former Alaska Airlines pilot from prison who tried to shut down the engines of a passenger plane in mid-flight.
Joseph Emerson took a hit, and two days later he was still suffering from the after-effects of the drug.
Ex-Alaska Airlines pilot avoids more jail time for sabotage attempt | Honolulu Star-Advertiser
CHICAGO >> A U.S. judge ruled on Monday that a former Alaska Airlines pilot who tried to disable the engines of a passenger jet mid-flight while riding off-duty in the cockpit will not serve additional prison time.
·Honolulu, United States
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Total News Sources183
Leaning Left61Leaning Right13Center74Last UpdatedBias Distribution50% Center
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
50% Center
L 41%
C 50%
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