Joseph David Emerson, a former Alaska Airlines pilot, was sentenced this week in Multnomah County Circuit Court for attempting to disable Horizon Air Flight 2059 in 2023. Emerson pleaded no contest to 83 counts of reckless endangerment and one felony count of endangering an aircraft.
The incident occurred on October 22, 2023, when Emerson, seated in the cockpit jump seat, tried to pull the fire suppression handles that cut off fuel to the engines. Capt. Emil Riemer and First Officer Alan Koizol subdued him, preventing a potential disaster and ensuring the safety of the 84 people on board.
Judge Cheryl Albrecht sentenced Emerson, 46, to 50 days in jail, with credit for time served, 664 hours of community service, and five years of probation. Prosecutors credited the flight crew for their quick actions. “The State of Oregon is grateful for Capt. Riemer and First Officer Koizol’s heroism,” Deputy District Attorney Eric Pickard said in a statement.
According to the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office, Emerson also attempted to move toward an emergency exit after being removed from the cockpit but was stopped by a flight attendant.
Authorities emphasized the seriousness of his actions, noting the potential consequences had the crew not intervened. The sentence concludes a nearly two-year legal process stemming from the mid-flight incident.
