US EditionOff-duty pilot who tried to cut a flight’s engines midair to be sentenced in federal case
- 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.
132 Articles
132 Articles
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.
Off-Duty Pilot Who Tried to Stop Plane's Engine Mid-Air After Ingesting Psychedelic Mushrooms Avoids Jail
“I am not a victim. I am here as a direct result of my actions,” Joseph David Emerson saidFX Joseph David EmersonNEED TO KNOWA former Alaska Airlines pilot who attempted to take down a flight mid-air will not spend time in prisonJoseph David Emerson was traveling as an off-duty passenger in the cockpit when he experienced the side effects of being sleep-deprived and ingesting psychedelic mushrooms “I can tell you that this very tragic event has …
Alaska Airlines pilot avoids jail time after midair engine incident
Joseph Emerson, an Alaska Airlines pilot, was released without prison time after attempting to cut a flight's engines midair in 2023. Emerson reached a plea deal earlier this year and was sentenced to time served along with three years of…
East Bay Pilot Who Nearly Brought Down Alaska Flight Sentenced to Time Served In Federal Case
Joseph Emerson, the former Alaska Airlines pilot who had a bad and extra-long trip thanks to some magic mushrooms and consequently did something very dangerous while on the jumpseat inside a cockpit, has successfully avoided further jail time.Emerson pleaded guilty in federal court in a September plea deal to one count of interfering with a flight crew in connection with the October 2023 incident. And on Monday he was sentenced to time served an…
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