Former US pilot accused of trying to cut engines reaches plea agreement

"Emerson was subdued by the flight crew after trying to cut the engines of a Horizon Air flight from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco on 22 October 2023, while he was riding in an extra seat in the cockpit. The plane was diverted to Portland, where it landed safely with more than 80 people on board. Emerson told police he was despondent over a friend's recent death, had taken psychedelic mushrooms about two days earlier, and hadn't slept in more than 40 hours."

"He has said he believed he was dreaming at the time and that he was trying to wake himself up by grabbing two red handles that would have activated the plane's fire suppression system and cut off fuel to its engines. Emerson, of Pleasant Hill, California, was charged in federal court with interfering with a flight crew. A state indictment in Oregon separately charged him with 83 counts of endangering another person and one count of endangering an aircraft."

"On Friday, Emerson was expected to plead guilty to the federal count and no-contest to the state charges, which carries the same legal effect as a guilty plea. Under the federal agreement, prosecutors can recommend that Emerson serve up to a year in prison, while his attorneys will ask that he serve no additional time. The conditions of the state agreement include five years of probation, 664 hours of"

Joseph Emerson attempted to cut the engines of a Horizon Air flight on Oct. 22, 2023, while riding in an extra cockpit seat. The flight from Everett to San Francisco was diverted to Portland and landed safely with more than 80 people on board after crew members subdued Emerson. Emerson reported being despondent over a friend's recent death, having used psychedelic mushrooms about two days earlier, and suffering severe sleep deprivation. He said he believed he was dreaming and tried to activate fire suppression handles to wake himself. Federal and state charges were filed, and plea agreements set potential penalties and probation terms.

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