A former Alaska Airlines pilot, Joseph David Emerson, was sentenced this week in Multnomah County Circuit Court for attempting to disable Horizon Air Flight 2059 in 2023. Emerson pled no contest to 83 counts of reckless endangerment and one felony charge of endangering an aircraft.
The incident occurred on October 22, 2023, when Emerson, sitting in the cockpit jump seat, attempted to pull the fire suppression handles, which cut off fuel to the engines. Capt. Emil Riemer and First Officer Alan Koizol apprehended him, averting a potential calamity and ensuring the safety of the 84 persons on board.
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Judge Cheryl Albrecht sentenced Emerson, 46, to 50 days in jail, credit for time served, 664 hours of community service, and five years of probation. Prosecutors praised the flight crew for their swift action. “The State of Oregon is grateful for Capt. Riemer and First Officer Koizol’s heroism,” Deputy District Attorney Eric Pickard stated.
According to the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office, after being removed from the cockpit, Emerson attempted to proceed toward an emergency exit before being stopped by a flight attendant.
Authorities stressed the gravity of his actions, noting the possible implications if the crew had not responded. The punishment brings an end to an almost two-year legal process that began with the mid-flight incident.
