Off-duty pilot's alleged attempt to disable plane's engines mid-flight linked to prior consumption of magic mushrooms, court records reveal

According to state court records obtained by CNN, the off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot accused of trying to disable a plane's engines mid-flight claimed that he thought he was dreaming and had ingested "magic mushrooms" 48 hours before the incident. Joseph D. Emerson, 44, allegedly attempted to disrupt the fuel supply to the engines while the flight was traveling from Washington state to San Francisco on Sunday. Fortunately, the swift response of the captain and first officer prevented the engines from completely failing, as reported by the airline.

Emerson stated to investigators that he had ingested magic mushrooms approximately two days before the airplane incident, as stated in an affidavit filed by prosecutors. Additionally, according to a separate federal court document, he admitted to being awake for the past 40 hours.

A SkyWest Embraer E175LR aircraft operated by Alaska Airlines takes off from Los Angeles International Airport on November 11, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Image credit: AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)

According to the airline, an off-duty pilot attempted to interfere with the engines of an Alaska Airlines flight but was eventually restrained. Court documents reveal that the individual, named Emerson, claimed to have believed that pulling the fire extinguishing system handles would wake him up from a dream.

Emerson, who was riding in the cockpit in a jump seat as allowed for off-duty pilots, sparked a confrontation when he attempted to access the fire controls, as per the documents.

Upon Emerson's attempt to reach for the controls, one of the pilots "seized Emerson's wrists, and (the other pilot) stated that they grappled with Emerson momentarily until he ceased and stated he was fine," according to the documents. "Emerson was unsuccessful in fully activating the handles before the intervention of the pilots."

Emerson, who had experienced depression and recently lost a friend, disclosed in the documents that he was going through a nervous breakdown. A separate federal criminal complaint revealed that he informed the flight crew of the need to be restrained. The US Attorneys Office for the District of Oregon has charged Emerson with interfering with a flight crew, in addition to numerous state charges such as 83 felony counts of attempted murder, 83 counts of reckless endangerment, and one count of endangering an aircraft. Emerson pleaded not guilty to all state charges on Tuesday, as indicated in the booking records.

Off-duty pilot Joseph D. Emerson was accused of trying to shut off a plane's engines mid-flight.

According to a statement from the US attorney's office, Joseph Emerson was escorted to the back of the plane following the altercation in the cockpit. However, during the descent of the flight, he made an unsuccessful attempt to grasp the emergency exit handle.

The flight was diverted to Portland, Oregon, and Emerson was apprehended by the Port of Portland police, as stated by the agency. During his time in custody, Emerson confided in a police officer about his depression, as mentioned in an affidavit written by an FBI agent that accompanied the federal complaint. Although Emerson claimed to not be taking any medications, he did acknowledge discussing psychedelic mushrooms with the officer.

According to the affidavit, the officer and Emerson discussed the use of psychedelic mushrooms. Emerson admitted that it was his first experience with mushrooms. When asked if Emerson informed the officers that he had consumed mushrooms at the time of the incident, a spokesperson for the US Attorneys Office in Oregon stated that this issue is still being investigated. While in custody, Emerson stated that he was admitting to his actions and was not contesting any charges brought against him.

Emerson is currently held without bail at Multnomah County Jail. During his court appearance on Tuesday, he was seen wearing a blue jail uniform and had his hands restrained behind his back. Judge Jenna Plank of Multnomah County Circuit Court stated that his release was not addressed at this hearing, as his case requires a more thorough release hearing within five days. It has not been determined whether Emerson has legal representation in state and federal court, as online records do not list an attorney for him.

According to a law enforcement source familiar with the investigation, authorities do not believe that the incident was an act of terrorism or ideologically motivated violence. Instead, they believe it could be attributed to a mental health episode. In anticipation of court proceedings, authorities are making preparations for court officials to order an assessment of the defendant's psychological state.

Suspect tried to cut the engine fuel, airline says

The airline stated that Alaska Airlines Flight 2059, operated by regional carrier Horizon Air, raised an alarm about a "security threat linked to an off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot called Emerson, who was traveling in the flight deck jump seat."Upon departing from Everett, Washington, this incident occurred.

Emerson attempted to deactivate the engines of the Embraer 175 while in the cockpit by pulling the fire extinguisher handles, according to the airline.

Alaska Airlines explained that the fire suppression system includes a T-handle for each engine, which, when pulled, causes a valve in the wing to close and cut off fuel to the engine. "Even after pulling the handles, there may still be leftover fuel in the line," stated Alaska Airlines in a statement to CNN.

The airline commended the crew for their swift response in resetting both handles, which effectively restored the fuel flow and prevented engine failure. According to the affidavit, Emerson began conversing with the pilots about weather and the aircraft. Suddenly, he expressed his distress by stating, "I'm not OK." One of the pilots observed him reaching up and grabbing the red fire handles.

One pilot seized Emerson's wrist while the other announced an emergency situation mid-flight, according to the affidavit. The document states that Emerson initially resisted and engaged in a brief struggle with the pilots for approximately thirty seconds before eventually consenting to vacate the cockpit. Recorded through LiveATC.net, air traffic control audio captures one of the pilots commenting, "I believe he is under control. However, we request immediate presence of law enforcement upon landing and parking."

After calmly making his way to the rear of the aircraft, Emerson proceeded to inform a flight attendant, "You must handcuff me immediately, otherwise the consequences will be severe."

Subsequently, the crew promptly restrained him by cuffing his wrists. However, while the plane was descending, Emerson suddenly redirected his attention towards an emergency exit door in an attempt to grasp the handle. Fortunately, his action was promptly halted by a vigilant flight attendant.

According to the affidavit, another flight attendant witnessed Emerson confessing, "I messed everything up" and stating that he attempted to kill everyone on board. Additionally, Emerson was overheard claiming that he had jeopardized the lives of 84 individuals, including his own. Upon the flight's arrival at Portland International Airport at approximately 6:30 p.m., Emerson was apprehended by Port of Portland police officers.

There were no reported injuries during the flight, according to the FBI. The airline stated that all passengers were later able to travel to San Francisco with a fresh crew and aircraft. They mentioned that they are contacting each passenger individually to discuss their experience and ensure their well-being.

Passengers describe emergency

Two passengers on the flight told CNN that the airline crew maintained a calm environment on the plane as the incident played out.

Aubrey Gavello, a passenger aboard the aircraft, only became aware of a problem when a flight attendant announced through the loudspeaker that an immediate landing was necessary.

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Gavello stated on CNN's "Laura Coates Live" on Monday night that they were uncertain about their destination and the issue on the flight, but the flight attendant provided reassurance that their safety was ensured.

The passengers were later informed by the pilot via the loudspeaker about a "disturbance in the cockpit," according to Alex Wood, who was seated near the front of the plane. Wood, who had headphones on, slept through the incident without being awakened, as he explained, "Although I was right by the cockpit, nothing was sufficiently loud or disruptive enough to awaken me."

It was very shocking, suspects neighbor says

Emersons neighbor, Ed Yee, told CNN it was "very shocking" to hear of the suspects alleged actions. "He seems like a really nice guy. Nothing abnormal about him," Yee said.

According to Alaska Airlines, Emerson has been working in the aviation industry for a minimum of twenty years.

Alaska Airlines stated that Emerson successfully fulfilled all his required FAA medical certifications throughout his career, adhering to the regulatory standards, and never faced any denial, suspension, or revocation of his certifications.