Alaska Airlines Pilot Pleads Guilty After Attempting to Shut Down Engines Under Influence

Joseph Emerson, an off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot, pleaded guilty for trying to shut down the engines mid-flight while under the influence of psychedelic mushrooms. He expressed regret for his actions, which endangered passengers, and accepted plea deals to avoid further jail time. Emerson reported using the drugs days prior and had not slept for over 40 hours before the incident.