Ex-Pilot Sentenced for Attempt to Shut Down Plane Engines Over Oregon

PORTLAND, Ore. – A former Alaska Airlines pilot who attempted to disable a commercial flight midair in 2023 has been sentenced in Multnomah County Circuit Court. Joseph David Emerson, 46, pleaded no contest to multiple charges stemming from the frightening incident aboard Horizon Air Flight 2059.

Midair Scare on Horizon Air Flight

The incident occurred on October 22, 2023, during Horizon Air Flight 2059. Emerson, traveling in the cockpit’s jump seat, tried to pull the fire suppression handles—controls that would have cut off fuel to both engines.

If successful, his actions could have shut down the plane’s power systems. Quick intervention by Captain Emil Riemer and First Officer Alan Koizol prevented disaster, as they restrained Emerson and maintained control of the aircraft.

There were 84 people on board, all of whom landed safely after the tense confrontation.

Legal Proceedings and Charges

In court, Emerson entered a no contest plea to 83 misdemeanor counts of reckless endangerment and one felony count of endangering an aircraft. Prosecutors emphasized that the legal resolution accounted for both the gravity of his actions and his lack of prior criminal history.

Judge Cheryl Albrecht handed down the sentence this week:

50 days in jail (with credit for time already served)
664 hours of community service
Five years of probation

The decision marked the conclusion of nearly two years of legal proceedings.

Prosecutors Praise Flight Crew

Authorities made clear that the quick thinking of the pilots and cabin crew prevented a potential catastrophe.

“The State of Oregon is grateful for Capt. Riemer and First Officer Koizol’s heroism,” said Deputy District Attorney Eric Pickard in a statement.

According to court documents, after Emerson was removed from the cockpit, he attempted to move toward an emergency exit but was blocked by a flight attendant. Prosecutors said this reinforced the level of danger posed to passengers and crew.

Broader Concerns Over Aviation Safety

While the case has now closed, aviation experts say the incident highlighted the importance of cockpit security and mental health awareness among pilots. Emerson, who had worked in the airline industry for years, was not on duty at the time of the flight but was traveling as a jump-seat passenger.

Authorities stressed that the public should not underestimate the seriousness of his actions. “Had the crew not intervened immediately, the outcome could have been catastrophic,” prosecutors noted.

Conclusion

With the sentence handed down, Emerson will not face further jail time beyond credit already served but will spend years under probationary supervision while completing community service.

For the passengers and crew aboard Horizon Air Flight 2059, the outcome stands as a sobering reminder of what could have gone wrong—and a testament to the professionalism and composure of the pilots and flight attendants who kept the flight safe.