A former Alaska Airlines pilot has admitted trying to shut down the engines of a packed passenger jet mid-flight after taking psychedelic mushrooms.

 

Joseph David Emerson, off-duty in the cockpit of a flight from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco, told the crew “I am not okay” before grabbing at the controls. He later told police he had taken mushrooms and was battling depression.

 

Emerson pleaded guilty in federal court and no-contest in Oregon to reckless endangerment and first-degree endangering an aircraft. He has already served 50 days in jail, was handed five years’ probation, 664 hours of community service, and must pay $60,659 (£44,907) in restitution. Prosecutors want a one-year federal prison term, while his lawyers will argue against more jail time.

 

Deputy District Attorney Eric Pickard called his actions “reckless, selfish, and criminal,” stressing how narrowly 84 lives were spared on Flight 2059. In court, Emerson admitted he couldn’t perceive reality under the drugs, but added: “That doesn’t make this right.

 

Adapted From:

 

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gq9n6kwxeo

The pilot deliberately took the mushrooms before he flew.

 

Anyone who deliberately takes drugs, and as a result of their actions under the influence, endangers or kills others, deserves the heaviest penalties.

 

 

Seems like he was deadheading & not part of the on duty flight crew.....

30 minutes ago, Patong2 said:

The pilot deliberately took the mushrooms before he flew.

 

Anyone who deliberately takes drugs, and as a result of their actions under the influence, endangers or kills others, deserves the heaviest penalties.

 

 

He was off-duty... basically a passenger, but sitting in the cockpit...

Quickly Googling

 

How often are commercial pilots drug tested?

 

(I assume this wasn't his first shrooming?)