The bizarre case of an Alaska Airlines pilot accused of trying to shut down the engines of a plane while under the influence of magic mushrooms has taken a strange turn. According to an interview published Saturday, the off-duty pilot believed he was dreaming and questioned if he was in hell during the incident.
Joseph Emerson, 44, told The New York Times that after taking psychedelics for the first time, he dwelled on past trauma and experienced feelings of being in hell. Two days later, while seated in the cockpit jump seat of an Alaska Airlines flight, he allegedly tried to shut down the plane’s engines by activating a fire suppression system.
Emerson explained to authorities that he believed he was dreaming and wanted to wake up. He thought his actions would stop the engines and that he would wake up from the dream. Emerson also disclosed his struggle with depression and a mental breakdown.
The flight, operated by Alaska Airlines subsidiary Horizon Air, was diverted to Portland, Oregon. Emerson is currently being held without bail at the Multnomah County Detention Center in Portland. He faces numerous charges, including 83 counts of attempted murder and interfering with a flight crew.
His attorney emphasized that Emerson did not intend to harm anyone and was not under the influence of drugs when he boarded the flight. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the incident.
This perplexing story was originally featured on NBCNews.com
