Home / Crime and Justice / Pilot Who Tried to Shut Off Plane's Engines Avoids Jail Time
Pilot Who Tried to Shut Off Plane's Engines Avoids Jail Time
18 Nov, 2025
Summary
- Pilot Joseph Emerson pleaded guilty to interfering with a flight crew
- Emerson blamed his behavior on a mental breakdown caused by hallucinogenic mushrooms
- Emerson received credit for time served and 3 years of supervised release
On October 18, 2025, a federal court in Portland, Oregon ruled that a US pilot who attempted to shut off a passenger plane's engines mid-flight will not serve any additional prison time. The judge, Amy Baggio, sentenced Joseph Emerson to credit for time served and 3 years of supervised release.
Emerson, an off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot, was involved in a concerning incident on a flight from Everett, Washington to San Francisco, California in October 2023. He blamed his behavior on a mental breakdown caused by hallucinogenic mushrooms. Emerson had pleaded guilty in September 2025 to a federal charge of interfering with a flight crew.
