In a shocking turn of events, the wife of former Alaska Airlines pilot Joseph Emerson has expressed her disbelief and shock over his arrest for attempting to cut the engines of a Horizon Air flight while riding in the cockpit jump seat. Sarah Stretch, speaking to reporters after attending her husband's first appearance in federal court in Portland, Oregon, tearfully stated, "This is not my Joe. He never would've done that. He never would've knowingly done any of that. That is not the man that I married."

Emerson's defense attorney, Ethan Levi, further supported this claim by asserting that his client was not suicidal or homicidal during the Horizon Air flight incident. "There was no intention to harm himself or other people," Levi stated. He also added that Emerson wanted to express gratitude to the flight crew for their "timely and heroic actions."

According to state and federal prosecutors, Emerson is accused of attempting to engage an emergency fire suppression system while riding in the cockpit jump seat as an off-duty pilot on Horizon Air flight 2059 from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco. Court documents reveal that there was a brief struggle with the pilots before Emerson left the cockpit and was subsequently placed in wrist restraints at the back of the plane. The plane was ultimately diverted to Portland, where it landed safely with over 80 passengers on board.

Emerson has pleaded not guilty to state charges of attempted murder, while federal prosecutors have charged him with interfering with a flight crew, which carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison. The charging documents indicate that Emerson informed the police that he had experienced a nervous breakdown, struggled with depression, and hadn't slept for 40 hours. Additionally, he mentioned that a friend had recently passed away. However, Levi clarified that the friend in question had actually died six years ago. Emerson also disclosed that he had taken psychedelic mushrooms for the first time approximately 48 hours prior to the incident.

Despite these circumstances, the pilots and individuals who encountered Emerson stated that he did not appear intoxicated. The FBI affidavit revealed that Emerson engaged in casual conversation with the captain and first officer before attempting to activate the plane's fire suppression system by grabbing two red handles. After a brief struggle lasting around 30 seconds, he exited the cockpit, leaving the flight attendants no choice but to restrain him and place him at the rear of the aircraft. However, as the plane descended, Emerson made another attempt to open an emergency exit, which was thwarted by a vigilant flight attendant.

Alaska Airlines announced that Emerson has been relieved of all duties, and it was revealed that his last flight took place on October 19, three days before the Horizon Air incident. Emerson began his career as a co-pilot with Horizon in 2001 and later joined Virgin America in 2012, a company that was subsequently acquired by Alaska in 2016. He was promoted to captain in 2019. Alaska Airlines clarified that Emerson met all necessary requirements for medical exams and that his certifications had not been denied, suspended, or revoked at any point.

This harrowing incident has brought to the forefront concerns regarding the mental well-being and fitness of individuals permitted in the cockpit. While Alaska Airlines maintains that Emerson fulfilled all medical requirements, the incident has ignited a renewed focus on ensuring the mental health of those entrusted with the safety of airline passengers.

Joseph Emerson will remain in custody as the legal proceedings continue.