"Alaska Airlines Incident Highlights Pilot Mental Health Stigma"

The Alaska Airlines pilot who attempted to down a passenger flight while under the influence of magic mushrooms had refused to disclose his mental health issues due to fear of being grounded, according to his wife. The pilot, Joseph Emerson, was deeply depressed but felt he couldn't afford to come clean to the airline. He had to be restrained on the flight after trying to cut off the engines and open an emergency exit midflight. Pilots are allowed to self-report mental health issues, but the extensive screening process and potential loss of income serve as deterrents. A study shows that a significant percentage of commercial airline pilots experience depression.