Ex-pilot who attempted mid-flight engine shutdown shares his story

Joseph Emerson, a former pilot for Alaska Airlines, reflects on a life-altering event he describes as the biggest mistake of his life. Last October, while on a flight at 30,000 feet, he pulled two crucial red levers in the cockpit that could have shut down both engines. He refers to those harrowing moments as the worst of his life, but looking back ten months later, he sees a different perspective. The incident not only saved his marriage but also provided him with more time for his children and led him into therapy and recovery. He has also launched a non-profit organization aimed at helping pilots who grapple with mental health issues.

In an interview with ABC News, Emerson elaborated on the events of October 22, 2023. Immediately after leaving the cockpit, he sent a text to his wife Sarah saying simply, “I made a big mistake.” Concerned, she asked if he was okay, but his subsequent reply—“I’m not”—would be the last she heard from him for several days. She tracked the flight’s progress and found that it had made an emergency landing in Portland. The following day, she learned from a jail receptionist that her husband had been charged with 83 counts of attempted murder—one for each person onboard.

Sarah vividly recalls her shock upon hearing the news, explaining that she understood the gravity of the charges immediately and felt as if her world had fallen apart.

The root of the incident traces back six years to the death of Emerson’s best friend Scott, also a pilot. In the days leading to the event, Emerson had been celebrating Scott’s memory with friends. That Friday night, they ingested psychedelic mushrooms, which left Emerson grappling with lingering physical and psychological effects.

On his way to the airport, Emerson became engulfed with thoughts about returning to his family, but overwhelming fear crept in. He began to feel trapped, leading to a sense of unreality. This sensation only intensified as he took his jump seat in the cramped cockpit of the Alaska Airlines jet. “It was as if I was saying, ‘I may never go home,’” he recalled.

By the time the aircraft was en route to San Francisco, Emerson’s mental condition deteriorated further. During a moment of heightened anxiety, he attempted to focus by doing breathing exercises prompted by a friend. He described how the situation escalated when he became convinced that what he was experiencing wasn’t real. This perception led him to reach for the engine shut-off levers, believing it might snap him back to reality.

“It’s 30 seconds I wish I could change, but I can’t,” he shared, highlighting the profound regret he carries.

As soon as Emerson pulled the levers, the pilots reacted quickly, grabbing his hands and trying to comprehend what had just transpired. It was their touch that brought him back to his senses, making him realize the seriousness of the situation. Thankfully, the engines remained operational.

Afterwards, Emerson left the cockpit for the main cabin, where he drank coffee directly from a pot and took a seat among the flight attendants. The passengers remained unaware of the chaos unfolding moments before.

However, his ordeal was not over. Emerson continued to feel like he needed to wake up from an altered state. In a moment of desperation, he reached for the cabin door lever, but a flight attendant intervened to stop him. In that instant, he recognized he needed help and asked to be handcuffed for his own safety, fully aware of the damage he had already done.

Upon landing in Portland, Emerson was taken into custody. For Sarah, the wait was agonizing, as she speculated whether her husband had suffered a medical emergency. Hours passed before she learned he was in jail.

After spending 45 days in custody, Emerson finally got clarity about his mental state. He was later diagnosed with hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD) resulting from the mushrooms, which left him vulnerable to psychotic symptoms long after their consumption. He also acknowledged his struggles with alcohol and is committed to prioritizing his mental health now.

Both Joe and Sarah Emerson are channeling their experiences into a new nonprofit called Clear Skies Ahead, which aims to raise awareness around pilot mental health and advocate for those in the industry to seek help without fear of repercussions.

In light of Emerson’s incident, the issue of pilot mental health has been thrust into the spotlight once again. Dr. Brent Blue, a senior aviation medical examiner, noted the need for modernization in evaluating pilots’ mental health, emphasizing the importance of addressing issues openly.

Though he is no longer charged with attempted murder, Emerson still faces over 80 counts of various offenses, including multiple counts of reckless endangerment. The outcome remains uncertain as the judicial process continues.

Reflecting on those aboard the flight, Emerson expressed deep gratitude, particularly towards the flight crew for their calm and professional handling of a chaotic event. He acknowledges he owes his life in part to their actions. As for his future, Emerson hopes to return to flying, acknowledging that while he may desire it, the final decision is not his to make.

Source: ABC News