Off-duty pilot charged with attempted murder after allegedly trying to shut off engines on Alaska Airlines flight

An off-duty pilot has been charged with 83 counts of attempted murder, for allegedly being impaired by psychedelic mushrooms and trying to disable the engines on an Alaska Airlines flight.

According to a statement from the airline, Alaska Airlines Flight 2059 operated by Horizon Air was travelling from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco, when it was diverted to Portland due to the incident which took place on October 22, 2023.

Alaska identified Captain Joseph Emerson as the off-duty pilot who was allowed to board the flight after gate agents followed “well-established, FAA-mandated practices to authorize a jump-seat passenger.”

These seats are reserved for individuals who are specially qualified for official duties. 

According to reports, things got heated between Emerson, the captain, and the cockpit. Emerson allegedly “attempted to disrupt the operation of the engines,” stated Alaska.

“The Horizon Captain and First Officer quickly responded, engine power was not lost and the crew secured the aircraft without incident.”

Emerson was restrained by cabin crew staff and taken into custody following the emergency landing.

Emerson has been charged with 83 counts of attempted murder, 83 counts of reckless endangerment, and one count of endangering an aircraft. He pleaded not guilty to the charges via his attorney.

Court documents indicate Emerson told police he had taken “magic mushrooms” about 48 hours before getting on the plane and hadn’t slept in 40 hours, reports Reuters. 

The airline said that at no time during the check-in or boarding process did staff suspect Emerson to be impaired in any way.

“All passengers on board were able to travel on a later flight,” stated Alaska.

“We are grateful for the professional handling of the situation by the Horizon flight crew and appreciate our guests’ calm and patience throughout this event.”