Off-Duty Pilot, Who Tried To Shut Off Engines Mid-Flight While On Magic Mushrooms, Charged With 83 Counts Of Attempted Murder

Off-duty pilot Joseph D. Emerson has been charged with 83 counts of attempted murder after he attempted to disrupt the engines of an Alaska Airlines flight.

The flight was en route from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco but had to divert to Portland, Oregon, because of the incident.

Alaska Airlines called it a “credible security threat related to an authorized occupant in the flight deck jump seat” in their statement.

Emerson had been suffering from depression and took magic mushrooms to help his symptoms. When he pleaded not guilty, he argued that the mushrooms were responsible for his actions.

Before he tried to disrupt the engines, he said, “I am not right.”

Passengers initially received an announcement about “an emergency” on the flight. It was then followed by another about a “medical emergency” only 15 minutes after the first one.

After the plane landed in Portland, police handcuffed and escorted Emerson off the aircraft. Witnesses say he had a mental breakdown during this process.

The Air Line Pilots Association has put out a statement praising the pilots and crew that ensure everyone’s safety.

The case is now under investigation, with law enforcement agencies and the FBI investigating the details.

For now, the FBI has put out a statement that they “can assure the traveling public there is no continuing threat related to this incident.”