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Former Alaska Pilot Pleads Guilty to Engine Shutdown Attempt

Joseph Emerson admits to pulling fire handles midflight in 2023 incident.

Saturday, September 06, 2025 at 05:27 PM ET

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Horizon Air E175 at Paine Field [AirlineGeeks/Katie Zera]

Key Takeaways:

Former Alaska Airlines pilot Joseph Emerson pleaded guilty to federal charges for attempting to shut down the engines of a Horizon Air flight from the jumpseat in October 2023.
The flight crew successfully intervened, restrained him, and safely diverted the plane with over 80 people on board.
In Oregon state court, Emerson received 50 days served, five years probation, community service, and over $60,000 in restitution; his federal sentencing is still pending.
Emerson expressed regret for his actions and admitted to using a psychedelic drug before the incident.

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Former Alaska Airlines pilot Joseph Emerson pleaded guilty Friday to federal charges after attempting to shut down the engines of a Horizon Air flight two years ago, according to the Associated Press.

Authorities said Emerson, 46, was riding in the flight deck jumpseat of Horizon Air Flight 2059 from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco on October 22, 2023, when he pulled the fire suppression handles.

Ryan is Group President for Firecrown's Aviation Group. In 2013, he founded AirlineGeeks.com, a leading trade publication covering the airline industry. Since then, his work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the airline industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Previously, he worked for a Part 135 operator and later a major airline. Ryan is also an Adjunct Instructor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.