‘I tried to kill everybody’:off duty pilot joseph emerson who tried to shut down planes engines thought it was a dream

In a shocking midair incident, an off-duty pilot attempted to endanger the lives of everyone on board a flight from Seattle to San Francisco. Joseph Emerson, while on a Horizon Air flight, tried to activate the plane’s fire suppression system. Fortunately, the on-duty pilots quickly intervened and safely rerouted the plane. Emerson now faces multiple charges, including attempted murder and endangering an aircraft. Discover the harrowing details of this terrifying event and the motives behind the pilot’s actions.

Off-Duty Pilot Charged with Attempted Murder on Plane

In a shocking turn of events, an off-duty pilot named Joseph Emerson has been charged with attempted murder after endangering the lives of everyone on board a Horizon Air flight from Seattle to San Francisco. Emerson’s actions have raised serious concerns and have prompted a thorough investigation into his motives and state of mind.

The Midair Incident

During the flight from Seattle to San Francisco, Joseph Emerson attempted to activate the plane’s fire suppression system by pulling the engine fire handle. This reckless act could have had catastrophic consequences for the flight and its passengers. Thankfully, the two on-duty pilots quickly intervened and managed to restrain Emerson, ensuring the safety of everyone on board.

Response and Safety Measures

The swift response and decisive actions of the on-duty pilots played a crucial role in averting a potential disaster. They took immediate control of the situation, rerouting the plane to Portland to ensure the safety of all passengers. Their professionalism and quick thinking deserve commendation for preventing any harm from befalling the passengers and crew.

Legal Consequences

Joseph Emerson now faces a multitude of charges, including 83 felony counts of attempted murder, 83 misdemeanor counts of reckless endangerment, and one felony count of endangering an aircraft. These charges reflect the severity of his actions and the potential harm he intended to cause. Additionally, he is also facing a federal charge of endangering a flight crew. The legal proceedings will determine the appropriate consequences for his dangerous behavior.

Insights into Emerson’s State of Mind


During the investigation, flight attendants provided valuable information about Joseph Emerson’s behavior leading up to the incident. They reported that the on-duty pilots had expressed concerns about Emerson “losing it,” indicating a disturbed mental state. Emerson’s subsequent confession, where he admitted to attempting to kill everybody on board, further sheds light on his state of mind and intentions. It is crucial to delve deeper into his psychological state to understand the underlying factors that led to this alarming incident.

Charges and Confessions

The charges brought against Joseph Emerson in relation to the midair incident are of utmost significance and carry severe legal consequences. The nature of his actions and the potential harm he intended to cause are reflected in the 83 felony counts of attempted murder he is facing. These charges highlight the gravity of his behavior and the endangerment of the lives of those on board the flight. In addition to the felony charges, Emerson also faces 83 misdemeanor counts of reckless endangerment, emphasizing the reckless nature of his actions.

Felony and Misdemeanor Charges

The charges brought against Joseph Emerson encompass both felony and misdemeanor offenses. The 83 felony counts of attempted murder demonstrate the severity of his actions and the potential harm he intended to inflict upon the passengers and crew. These charges carry significant legal consequences and underscore the gravity of his behavior. Additionally, Emerson faces 83 misdemeanor counts of reckless endangerment, highlighting the reckless nature of his actions and the endangerment of the lives of those on board the flight. These charges collectively reflect the seriousness of the incident and the potential harm that could have occurred.

Confessions and Statements

During the investigation, Joseph Emerson made several confessions and statements that provide crucial insights into his mindset and intentions. In a conversation with flight attendants, Emerson openly admitted to “messing everything up” and attempting to kill everybody on board the plane. This confession demonstrates a clear understanding of the gravity of his actions and the harm he intended to inflict. Furthermore, Emerson expressed his belief that the pilots were not paying attention to the situation, suggesting a possible motive or justification for his actions. These statements will likely be closely examined during the legal proceedings to determine his state of mind and intent. It is important to note that the legal process will thoroughly evaluate the evidence and statements presented, ensuring a fair and just resolution to this case.

Investigation and Legal Proceedings

The midair incident involving Joseph Emerson has prompted a comprehensive investigation and subsequent legal proceedings to ensure justice is served. Law enforcement authorities have conducted interviews with flight attendants and other individuals involved to gather information and evidence. These interviews have provided valuable insights into Emerson’s behavior, state of mind, and the events leading up to the incident. The investigation aims to establish a clear understanding of the circumstances surrounding the incident and to determine the appropriate legal actions.

Police Interviews and Findings


Following the midair incident, law enforcement authorities have conducted interviews with flight attendants and other individuals who were present during the incident. These interviews have provided crucial information and insights into Emerson’s behavior, mental state, and the events leading up to the incident. The accounts shared by the flight attendants have shed light on Emerson’s disturbed mental state and intentions, helping to build a strong case against him. The findings from these interviews will play a significant role in determining the course of the legal proceedings and ensuring a fair and just resolution.

Detention Hearing and Grand Jury

A detention hearing has been scheduled to determine whether Joseph Emerson should remain in custody or be released pending trial. During this hearing, the court will consider factors such as flight risk and the potential danger he poses to the community. Additionally, a grand jury will review the case and assess the evidence presented by the prosecution. The grand jury’s decision will determine whether there is enough evidence to proceed with a trial. Both the detention hearing and the grand jury’s decision will significantly impact the trajectory of the case and the charges Emerson will face. It is important to note that the investigation and legal proceedings aim to ensure a fair and just outcome, taking into account all available evidence and testimonies.

In a shocking midair incident, an off-duty pilot named Joseph Emerson attempted to endanger the lives of everyone on board a flight from Seattle to San Francisco. Emerson tried to activate the plane’s fire suppression system, but the on-duty pilots quickly restrained him and rerouted the plane to Portland, ensuring the safety of all passengers. Emerson now faces multiple charges, including attempted murder and endangering an aircraft. In interviews, he confessed to his actions, claiming he believed he was dreaming and that the pilots were not paying attention. It was later revealed that he had allegedly consumed psychedelic mushrooms prior to the flight. Emerson is currently in custody awaiting further legal proceedings.

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