A former Alaska Airlines pilot, Joseph Emerson, attempted to shut down the engines on an Oct. 22, 2023, Horizon Air flight while under the influence of psychedelic mushrooms. Captured cockpit audio revealed his erratic behavior as crew members restrained him, leading to an emergency landing in Portland. Emerson, who faced multiple charges, pleaded guilty and received a 50-day jail sentence, five years probation, and community service. He expressed remorse for his actions, attributing them to grief and sleep deprivation.
