PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — An off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot who forced an emergency landing in Portland in 2023 after he said he had a mental health crisis and blamed psychedelic mushrooms has learned his fate in federal court.
Joseph Emerson was sentenced by a federal judge on Monday to time served and was told to pay $60,000 in restitution, which he’s already paid. He is also required to serve three years of supervised release. No home detention will be required.
Emerson could have received a maximum of 20 years in prison.
In October 2023, Emerson flew in a jump seat in the cockpit, which is used by off-duty pilots to fly.
Court records show Emerson told police he was grieving the death of his best friend, had taken psychedelic mushrooms about two days earlier, and hadn’t slept in more than 40 hours.
Emerson tried to cut the engines, but was stopped.
He said he didn’t intend to crash the plane, but wanted to wake up.
The case sparked national conversations about policies regarding pilot mental health. Meanwhile, a state court sentenced Emerson to five years probation in September, and more than $60,000 in restitution.
More to come.
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