The appearance of a US pilot in court on 83 counts of attempted murder for attempting to shut down a plane’s engine mid-air, reportedly while under the influence of magic mushrooms, has caused a stir. Joseph Emerson, 44, who was off-duty and in the cockpit’s jump seat of a Horizon Air plane from Everett, Washington to San Francisco, allegedly tried to shut off the engines’ fuel supply. Emerson, held without bail at Multnomah County Jail, was arraigned in court in Oregon. He pleaded not guilty to the charges through his lawyer.
The pilot is facing federal charges for interfering with the flight crew in addition to state charges of attempted murder and reckless endangerment. In a recorded interview with police, he claimed to be experiencing a “nervous breakdown” and said it was his first time taking psychedelic mushrooms.
Emerson’s actions led to a brief physical struggle in the cockpit before he exited. Subsequently, flight attendants had to restrain him and change the plane’s course for an emergency landing in Oregon. He told police that he believed the pilots were not paying attention and didn’t seem right to him. Despite the chaos, the aircraft made a successful emergency landing.
The incident caused panic among the 80 passengers, including children, and four crew members on board. Emerson’s attempt to engage the engine fire suppression system was thwarted, and fortunately, engine power was not lost. The accused pilot’s bizarre behavior has raised serious concerns about air safety and the consequences of being under the influence while on duty.
