The Emerson Case – Current True Crime
By: Nitzaliah Festinger

This week Joseph Emerson pleaded guilty for attempting to crash a plane flying from Washington to Arizona.

Joseph had been working for Alaska Airlines as a pilot since 2001. In 2023, he had been flying off-duty in the cockpit when he had tried to cut the engines. There were over one hundred passengers on the flight that could’ve died.

Joseph had been grieving the recent loss of his friend and had been under the influence of drugs as well as severely sleep deprived. He claims that he believed he was dreaming when he did this and he was attempting to “wake himself up”; however it quickly became clear that he wasn’t dreaming and was able to help fix it in time so the plane could make an emergency landing, and everyone survived. Afterwards Joseph expressed his gratitude towards the other crew members who had stopped him from crashing the plane. He also stated that his actions were the result of his depression and that he had been having a nervous breakdown.

According to his attorney, Joseph pleaded guilty for moral reasons. He shared with his attorney that he wants to take accountability for his actions and believes he deserves the punishment. “What happened was wrong and should not have happened, and I bear the responsibility for that,” he says.

Some people would say that Joseph’s story reveals flaws in our society. In an interview, Joseph’s former co-worker, Ms. Snyder says, “The choices that Joseph Emerson made that day and the policies that allowed them nearly led to our deaths.” This quote outlines that there are flaws in the aviation industry. To make up for this, the FAA has decided to implement new rules, and they are working on finding ways to support the mental health of their pilots.

Although Joseph Emerson’s actions were very serious, and could’ve had tragic consequences, the aftermath has led to important conversations and potential changes. Joseph has now decided to dedicate the rest of his life to paying his dues and preventing others from making the same mistakes as he did. He shared in interviews that he wants to start speaking at schools to teach children the danger of taking drugs and encourage people to seek help when they are struggling. On a similar note, now that the FAA has decided to explore how they can improve their system, there are going to be positive changes for pilots and flight attendants across all the different airlines.

All in all, Joseph Emerson’s story serves as a notable example of how to take accountability. After his mistake, he chose to take responsibility and work toward making a meaningful impact. While his experience is a difficult one, it highlights important conversations and may contribute to lasting change in our world.

Sources:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/joseph-emerson-alaska-airlines-pilot-pleads-guilty/
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/former-pilot-tried-cut-engines-flight-taking-magic-mushrooms-pleads-gu-rcna229490
https://www.seattletimes.com/business/ex-alaska-air-pilot-who-pulled-fuel-handles-midflight-pleads-guilty/
https://abcnews.go.com/US/former-alaska-airlines-pilot-shut-engines-midflight-pleads/story?id=125298821
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gq9n6kwxeo
https://www.oregonlive.com/crime/2025/09/ex-alaska-pilot-sentenced-to-probation-for-trying-to-cut-engines-says-he-regrets-harm-he-caused.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/05/us/alaska-airlines-pilot-plea-agreement-mushrooms.html
https://dailydodge.com/faa-to-examine-mental-health-rules-for-pilots-air-traffic-controllers/