Ex-Alaska Airlines Pilot Released from Jail Pending Trial

Joseph Emerson, who attempted to cut flight engines, pleads not guilty to reckless endangerment charges and is ordered to undergo mental health services.

Ex-Alaska Airlines pilot Joseph Emerson, who attempted to cut the engines of a passenger flight while off-duty, has been released from jail pending trial.
Emerson pleaded not guilty to reduced charges of reckless endangerment; he previously faced attempted murder charges.
Emerson's release conditions include undergoing mental health services, abstaining from drugs and alcohol, and not coming within 30 feet of an operable aircraft.
Emerson admitted to taking psychedelic mushrooms about 48 hours before the incident and had not slept for more than 40 hours.
The case has raised awareness about pilot mental health, with Emerson's wife, Sarah Stretch, stating the situation has created a movement to help thousands of other pilots.