Overview
- U.S. District Judge Amy Baggio sentenced Joseph Emerson to time served, three years of supervised release and, according to one report, a $100 fine after his guilty plea to interfering with a flight crew.
- Federal prosecutors sought a one-year prison term, while the defense urged probation, arguing state penalties had already been substantial.
- Emerson tried to pull the cockpit fire-suppression engine-shutoff handles while riding in the jump seat in October 2023 before the crew restrained him and diverted the Horizon Air flight to Portland with 84 people aboard.
- In a separate state case, he received credit for 50 days served, five years’ probation, 664 hours of community service and roughly $60,000 in restitution; the FAA revoked his pilot and medical certificates and Alaska Airlines fired him.
- The case has intensified focus on pilot mental health and cockpit access, with an FAA panel issuing reform recommendations and the U.S. House voting in September to require the agency to adopt them.