Ex-Pilot Pleads Guilty to Endangering Flights and Attempted Engine Shutdown
TL;DR
A former Alaska Airlines pilot, Joseph David Emerson, pleaded guilty to interfering with a flight over Oregon in 2023, after attempting to cut fuel and activate fire suppression systems while in a crisis caused by untreated depression and hallucinogenic drug use. He faces potential prison time and restitution, highlighting ongoing issues with mental health support for pilots.
- Former pilot pleads to criminal charges after endangering flight over Oregon skies Oregon Public Broadcasting - OPB
- Former Alaska Airlines pilot who tried to shut down engines midflight pleads guilty ABC News
- Joseph Emerson, ex-Alaska Airlines pilot who tried to cut flight's engines, pleads guilty in federal court CBS News
- Pleasant Hill pilot pleads guilty to attempting to crash flight while on mushrooms The Mercury News
- Ex-pilot who forced emergency landing pleads guilty in federal court KOMO
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Read on Oregon Public Broadcasting - OPB