Off-duty pilot accused of trying to down Alaska Airlines flight shares big hug with wife after posting bail — ordered to stay away from planes
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The ex-Alaska Airlines pilot who allegedly tried to shut down the engines to a passenger flight tightly embraced his wife after posting bail Thursday.
Joseph Emerson was let out of jail after he pleaded not guilty to charges of reckless endangerment during a court appearance Thursday, though he was warned by Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Thomas Ryan to stay clear of planes ahead of his trial.
The California man was ordered to not come within 30 feet of an operable aircraft, as well as to undergo mental health services and not use drugs or alcohol.
The 44-year-old was initially hit with more serious attempted murder charges after he tried to activate the jet’s two fire suppression handles — designed to cut the fuel supply and shut down both engines — in the middle of the trip from Everett, Washington to San Francisco, California in October, authorities said.
Emerson, who was off-duty and riding in the cockpit in an extra seat, was quickly stopped and the plane diverted to Portland, Oregon.
Emerson told police after his arrest he had been struggling with depression and took psychedelic mushrooms about 48 hours before he tried to cut the plane’s engines, according to charging docs.
He also allegedly said he had not slept in 40 hours leading up to the flight.
He also pleaded not guilty to a federal charge tied to the case, and had to post $5,000 to be released.
Footage posted on social media by an ABC News reporter Thursday night showed Emerson and his wife Sarah Stretch hug as he held two paper bags in his hands and buried his face in her shoulder.
He then went to hug other loved ones before they all walked out of the jail’s lobby.
Before the warm reunion, Stretch said she was happy her husband was coming home.
She told reporters following the arraignment she believes the case is raising awareness for the issue of pilots’ mental health.
“I’m saddened that this situation had to happen to my husband and to the people it affected,” Stretch said. “But I know that this has created a movement and momentum to help thousands of other pilots.”
One of his defense lawyers, Noah Horst, does not believe his client should be held criminally liable because he did not consciously choose to put about 80 passengers in danger.
“Does he need help? Yes,” he told reporters. “Does Mr. Emerson deserve to be home today with his family and surrounded by his friends? Yes, he does.”
With Post wires
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