A Pilot's Hallucinogenic Nightmare: What Really Happened Mid-Flight?

In October 2023, a bizarre incident unfolded on an Alaska Airlines flight. Joseph Emerson, an off-duty pilot, attempted to turn off the plane's engines while in mid-air. He was not in his right mind, having consumed "magic mushrooms" two days before the flight.

The Incident

Security cameras captured the moment police led Emerson off the plane in handcuffs. The flight was forced to make an emergency landing in Portland.

The cockpit audio revealed a chilling exchange:

Emerson: "I'm not OK." Pilot: "You're OK?" Emerson: "I'm not OK."

A struggle ensued, with the pilot exclaiming:

"Dude, what's going on?!"

The pilot then informed air traffic control:

"Horizon, we need to make an emergency landing. We've got a jump seater just tried to shut our engines off."

Later, the pilot updated air traffic control, stating they had removed Emerson from the cockpit.

Emerson's Explanation

Emerson later explained that he had no intention of crashing the plane. He believed he was in a dream and thought pulling the engine handles would wake him up. He called it the "most consequential three seconds of his life."

During his ride in a police cruiser, Emerson asked the officer:

"Do you believe in forgiveness?"

He also said:

"I want to be accountable. But am I gonna be forgiven for being so stupid?"

Background and Aftermath

Emerson had been grieving the loss of his best friend. He first turned to alcohol and then tried psilocybin mushrooms for the first time. His attorneys stated he suffered from hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD), which caused the effects to last for days.

Emerson pleaded guilty to interfering with a flight crew and no contest to other charges. He was sentenced to time served and probation.

The incident raises critical questions about the impact of psychedelic drugs and mental health on flight safety.