• Former pilot attempts to disable plane engines during flight amid mental health crisis
• Scheduled to face trial next week

A former pilot tried to shut down an airplane’s engines mid-flight after experiencing a severe mental health episode, believing throughout the journey that he was “trapped in a dream or already dead.”

Joseph Emerson is set to appear in court next week for sentencing. In 2023, he was charged with multiple counts of attempted murder following the incident.

Approximately 48 hours before the flight, Emerson had taken prohibited substances during a memorial gathering for his close friend and fellow pilot who had suddenly died from a heart problem.

His lawyers stated that he experienced an unusual reaction, feeling detached from reality for several days—a condition known as Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder. Emerson believed the flight was not real but boarded hoping it would help him “wake up” and see his family again.

During the flight, his anxiety increased, fearing he would never reach his destination.

After attempting to shut down the engines, the pilots intervened, and Emerson left the cockpit.

He continued to feel as if he were dreaming, even placing his hand in a cup of hot coffee to try to awaken.

Eventually, he asked flight attendants to restrain him, unable to distinguish reality.

After the plane was diverted, Emerson was arrested.

While in custody, he began journaling, revealing years of substance struggles and avoidance of mental health treatment while coping with his friend’s death.

Emerson has since founded a nonprofit with his wife to raise awareness about mental health challenges among pilots.

Initially facing up to 20 years in prison, Emerson pleaded guilty in September.

The U.S. government is seeking a 12-month prison sentence with possible home confinement, while Emerson is requesting credit for time served and probation.