The off-duty captain who is accused of trying to shut down an Alaska Airlines aircraft’s vehicles in mid-flight has come forward to explain what he called “unfathomable” activities.
Emerson, who was seated in the hop seat of the journey, has attributed his steps to the effect of psychedelic vegetables, while also expressing a desire to return to flying.
Emerson admitted in an appointment with ABC News that his conduct was influenced by intense mental stress, which was made worse by the use of psychedelic vegetables, for the first time since being charged with 84 acts related to the incident.
He turned to kaleidoscopic mushrooms as a way to deal with his grief after losing his best friend, who was also a pilot, and had been dealing with his deep grief.
After consuming the hallucinogenic compound a few days prior to the trip, Emerson described feeling” caught” and disconnected from reality, unable to tell the difference between what was true and what was a dream.
On October 22, 2023, while the journey was en-route from Seattle to San Francisco, Emerson, 44, made an attempt to locked down the jet’s vehicles by pulling the flames hose holders. Emerson attempted to use an emergency exit valve before being subdued by the aircraft team as the plane soared through the clouds. The crew’s swift action and significant steps led to an incident landing in Portland, which ensured the safety of all passengers and crew members.
Emerson’s malfunction and mental stress brought into focus the enormous pressure and possible mental health challenges that pilots face despite a career that is distinguished by compliance with FAA clinical certification requirements.
The event sparked discussion about the need for pilots to receive more mental health care, as well as questions about the suitability of the current laws and help systems.
