In brief
Joseph Emerson, who attempted to shut down the engines of a Horizon Air flight in October 2023, is set for sentencing following his pleas in federal and state courts. Prosecutors seek a year in prison while Emerson's attorneys advocate for probation, citing mental health issues and prior commendations of the flight crew's life-saving actions.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A former Alaska Airlines pilot charged with attempting to cut the engines of a passenger flight in 2023 is slated for sentencing Monday in federal court. Joseph Emerson, who was off-duty during the incident, attempted the maneuver while seated in the cockpit of a Horizon Air flight from Everett, Washington to San Francisco.
Emerson was subdued by the flight crew after the incident on October 22, 2023, and the aircraft was safely diverted to Portland with over 80 passengers aboard. He pleaded guilty to the federal charge and no-contest to state charges encompassing endangerment of multiple individuals, leading to a request for varied sentencing outcomes from both sides.
Federal prosecutors have recommended a one-year prison sentence, contrasting with Emerson’s defense attorneys, who seek probation based on his mental health struggles, including a state of despondency following the recent death of a friend, the use of psychedelic mushrooms two days prior, and prolonged sleep deprivation.
Following his arrest, Emerson expressed regret and acknowledged the flight crew's role in preventing a potential disaster. He has been released under specific conditions pending trial. These include undergoing mental health treatment and complying with restrictions regarding proximity to aircraft.
While his attorneys noted the substantial punishment already incurred through the state’s legal processes, they have emphasized his personal growth and improved mental state as factors warranting a lenient sentence. The airline highlighted that flight crew members did not detect any signs of impairment prior to the incident, raising questions regarding cockpit safety and mental wellness protocols within the airline industry.
