Off-Duty Pilot Charged with 83 Counts of Attempted Murder After Alleged Attempt to Crash Plane Post Consuming Magic Mushrooms

Off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot diagnosed with depression allegedly attempted to crash a flight mid-route from Washington to San Francisco after consuming magic mushrooms, leading to a frantic wrestle over controls with on-duty personnel to prevent a catastrophe.

Joseph Emerson, the 44-year-old off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot was previously a safety officer at his flying club in California and was described as a 'consummate professional'.
Emerson allegedly made an attempt to cut fuel to the plane's engines while flying off-duty from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco, leading to a struggle with on-duty personnel. He also attempted to open an emergency door while handcuffed.
Emerson was restrained and removed from the cockpit, and the plane made a safe emergency landing in Portland, Oregon, where he was arrested and charged with 83 counts of attempted murder, including for each passenger and crew member onboard.
During an interview with law enforcement, Emerson admitted to having consumed magic mushrooms prior to the flight and noted he'd been dealing with depression for about six months.
In addition to the state charges filed, Emerson is also charged federally for interfering with a flight crew. Authorities speculate that the incident may have stemmed from a mental health crisis, rather than being an act of terrorism or motivated violence.