A former pilot who attempted to shut down the plane’s engines in mid-flight hopes to be able to fly again someday.
In the first interview he conducted after the incident, Joseph Emerson (44), discussed the tragic lapse in judgment that ended his professional career, the emotional impact it had on his family, and his outlook for his future.
In an ABC News interview published on Friday, he stated: “It’s 30 seconds of my life that I would change. But I can’t. ”
Emerson was allegedly in the jump seat on Horizon Air Flight 2105 (an Alaska Airlines affiliate) when he allegedly pulled the two handles that engaged a fire suppression and cut off the fuel to the engine.
In memory of a friend who had died, the pilot and his friends took psychedelic mushrooms on a weekend trip the week before the accident.
Emerson claims he had side effects that lasted days.
Emerson began to believe he was “trapped” on an “imaginary plane”. He started to think he was “trapped” on an “imaginary airplane “.
Emerson told ABC that at this point he had thrown off his headset because he believed it was not real. He said ‘I am not going home’. “I have to wake up. ”
Emerson pulled the red handles which would have stopped the engine of the aircraft in mid-air, killing all 83 passengers. Pilots were able to apprehend Emerson and safely land the aircraft at Portland, Oregon.
Emerson claims that a prison doctor diagnosed him with hallucinogen persisting perception disorder. This condition caused him to experience psychedelics longer and confuse his reality while in the cockpit.
In connection with this incident, he was found not responsible for 83 counts of attempted murder, 83 of reckless endangerment, and one of endangering an aircraft.
Emerson was cleared of murder charges but faces over 80 federal and state charges.
Emerson said that at the end of the evening, “they are my decisions.” “I hope the judicial system will account for not just 30 seconds, but also my entire experience when society judges what happened. ”
Emerson is now focusing on the launch of his nonprofit organization Clear Skies Ahead. The organization aims to fund programs for pilots who have mental health issues.
“Of course, I want to fly again.” “I would be lying if I said no,” he replied. “I don’t even know how I will fly. I have to take the steps that I can. I need to be in a position where this is possible.”
