Former Pilot Reflects on Mushroom-Fueled Incident

Joseph Emerson, a former Alaska Airlines pilot, has spoken out about the October 22, 2023 incident where he attempted to shut down a plane's engines mid-flight while under the influence of psychedelic mushrooms. Emerson attributes his actions to the mental distress and hallucinations caused by the drug, which he took to cope with the grief of losing his best friend. The quick response of the flight crew prevented a potential tragedy, allowing the plane to safely land in Portland. Emerson has been charged with multiple counts, including reckless endangerment, but he hopes his story will spark a conversation about pilots' mental health. Despite the incident, Emerson expressed a desire to return to flying and claimed that the episode ultimately improved his personal life. His story will be featured in an upcoming documentary to raise awareness about the mental health challenges faced by pilots.