Joseph Emerson, a former Alaska Airlines pilot, describes a critical incident from October 2023 as the biggest mistake of his life.
At 30,000 feet, Emerson pulled two red levers in the cockpit that could have shut down the plane’s engines. He later called this moment the worst 30 seconds of his life.
Despite the severity of the situation, Emerson now sees those moments as transformative. They have led to personal growth, improved family relationships, and the creation of a nonprofit to support pilots with mental health issues.
In a recent ABC News interview, Emerson and his wife Sarah shared their experience. After Emerson was removed from the cockpit and asked a flight attendant to handcuff him, he texted Sarah, “I made a big mistake.” Sarah’s concern grew when she discovered Emerson had been charged with 83 counts of attempted murder—one for each person on the flight.
Emerson had been struggling with the death of a close friend and had used psychedelic mushrooms before the incident. He reported experiencing hallucinations and a distorted sense of reality, which worsened as he prepared for the flight. Believing he was trapped in a false reality, Emerson pulled the engine shut-off levers in an attempt to wake himself up. The pilots quickly intervened, preventing any harm and maintaining professionalism.
After the plane made an emergency landing in Portland, Emerson was detained. He later learned he had a condition called hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD), which can cause lasting visual disturbances following psychedelic use. Emerson also acknowledged struggling with alcohol and is now focusing on his mental health.
Emerson and his wife are now dedicated to their nonprofit, Clear Skies Ahead, which aims to improve pilot mental health support and reduce stigma. The FAA has recently expanded its approval of medications for pilots and increased efforts to support mental health.
Although Emerson faces numerous legal challenges, including over 80 charges, he remains hopeful for the future. He accepts responsibility for his actions and is uncertain about whether he will return to flying. Nonetheless, he remains committed to addressing his mental health and supporting others in similar situations.
