Pilots are some of today’s most trusted workers; they serve as the guardians of the skies. After years of meticulous training in flight school, pilots are very knowledgeable in aviation. In addition to this, our courageous captains are constantly being screened for signs of physical and mental illness. With every flight, pilots try their hardest to deliver us safely to our destinations while keeping their planes in one piece. But would a pilot ever try to crash a plane?  

On Oct. 22, while riding in the cockpit off-duty, pilot Joseph Emerson attempted to shut down the engines of Alaska Airlines flight 2059. While in the cockpit, the pilot tried to pull the “T” shaped emergency fire extinguisher handles. One of the on-duty pilots struggled with Emerson for a suspenseful 90 seconds while the other declared an “in-flight emergency” to on-ground airline dispatchers. Luckily, Emerson soon left the cockpit and moved into the passenger area. He ominously told the flight attendants, “You need to cuff me right now, or it’s going to be bad!” Because of his seemingly unhinged state, the flight crew had to subdue him in the back of the plane. Shortly after, Emerson tried to open one of the plane’s emergency exits, but once again, his actions were stifled. A flight attendant held his hands down for the remainder of the flight and prevented him from causing further issues. The San Francisco-bound plane had to divert to Portland, Oregon due to the ordeal. As of now, the 44-year-old is facing 167 counts, including 89 counts of attempted murder- one for each individual onboard. 

So, what would even possess someone, let alone a pilot, to try such a heinous act? Well, it may have to do with “shrooms,” a lack of sleep, and mental health struggles. While pleading guilty on trial, Emerson stated that he was under the influence of “psychedelic mushrooms” that he had taken 48 hours prior to the near catastrophe. Emerson stated that he “felt like he was dreaming” and that he tried to turn off both emergency shut-off handles because he “just wanted to wake up.”  

Interestingly enough, this was Emerson’s first time doing magic mushrooms, and he was inexperienced with the actual effects of the drugs. To add salt to Emerson’s, he was diagnosed with depression four months earlier, and days before the flight, he had lost his best friend. It is unknown if Emerson was administered a drug test before take off, but he seemed fine before the incident and was even “engaging in small talk,” according to the other pilots. Emerson also passed his health examination a month before the incident. During these tragic events, it is essential to remember that mental health is a real struggle.  

If you are struggling, do not be afraid to utilize the many health and counseling services SLU provides: https://www.stlawu.edu/offices/health-and-counseling-services. Especially as we anticipate colder, drearier days this upcoming winter. We must remember that tragedy can be prevented by suffocating minor issues before they grow. As of now, Emerson’s trial continues, where he remains on trial.