Cockpit audio shows exchange from pilot that tried to cut engines mid-flight

New cockpit audio has been released from inside the flight deck of an Alaska Airlines regional jet when an off-duty pilot attempted to kill the engines mid-flight. Former pilot Joseph Emerson attempted to cut the engines of an Embraer 175 mid-flight on Oct. 22, 2023, while flying as a passenger on Alaska Airlines Flight 2059. The flight had a total of 84 passengers and crewmembers. He had gone over 40 hours without sleep and had consumed psychedelic mushrooms for the first time, approximately 48 hours before the incident. He had been suffering from depression and was returning from a gathering honoring a close friend who had passed away. According to the court documents, Emerson told a flight attendant he had lost his best friend and asked when the nightmare would end. He had thought the mushrooms would wear off in eight hours but had a rare reaction known as Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder, according to PaddleYourOwnKanoo. The reaction caused Emerson to detach from reality and feel like he was stuck inside a dream. Emerson had began to mutter, "I'm not okay, I'm not okay," when the recording starts. When one of the pilots checked on him, he told him that he had to get home and pulled the engine shut-off levers. One pilot gave an expletive-heavy reaction and warned ATC that an emergency landing was needed. He was subdued by Captain Emil Riemer and First Officer Alan Koizol and placed in the restraints in the back of the aircraft by flight attendants. The T-handles were reset to ensure engine power was not lost. When the aircraft was descending, Emerson attempted to open the emergency door. RELATED STORIES: Former pilot who tried to cut engines midflight sentenced in Oregon court A look at flight deck security after pilot arrested for shut-down threat Pilot who tried shutting engines off mid-flight indicted on lesser charges He was initially charged with 83 felony counts of attempted murder, 83 misdemeanor counts of reckless endangerment and one felony count of endangering an aircraft, but the charges were lessened to 83 misdemeanor counts of reckless endangerment and one felony charge of endangering an aircraft. In an interview with the New York Times, Emerson said he never meant to hurt anyone and had been struggling to discern reality after his mushroom trip. He eventually reached a plea deal with federal prosecutors and pleaded guilty to a single count of Interference with flight crew members and attendants. He was sentenced to time served for the period he was on remand, ordered to complete probation, 664 hours of community service and $60,000 in restitution to Alaska Airlines. Emerson is banned from flying or being within 25 feet of a working aircraft. He has apparently started a non-profit with his wife that focuses on improving mental health resources for pilots called Clear Skies Ahead.