New audio shows off-duty pilot cockpit struggle
Newly released cockpit and ATC audio captures the chaotic mid‑flight incident in which an off‑duty Alaska Airlines pilot allegedly tried to shut down the engines, prompting the crew to declare a "threat level four" and call for an emergency landing. The recordings and communications describe the off‑duty pilot, identified as Emerson, being restrained and handcuffed in a rear jump seat while repeatedly saying "I'm not OK," and controllers coordinated checks with flight attendants and requested law enforcement on arrival.
📌 Key Facts
- Air traffic control (ATC) exchanges show the crew rated the situation as a 'threat level four' at its peak.
- Verbatim ATC/cockpit audio released includes 'We need to make an emergency landing,' 'We’ve got the guy … out of the cockpit,' and repeated 'I’m not OK' from Emerson.
- A pilot reported Emerson was handcuffed and seated in a rear jump seat and said he was 'staying calm' as the aircraft descended.
- Controller-pilot coordination included the controller checking with flight attendants about the onboard situation.
- Controllers requested law enforcement be available on the aircraft's arrival.
📊 Relevant Data
In 2023, approximately 3% of US adults (about 8 million) used psilocybin mushrooms, making it the most commonly used psychedelic drug.
In a 2025 study, psilocybin use was reported at 5.3% among US adults with moderate to severe anxiety, compared to 1.7% among those with no or mild symptoms.
Psilocybin Use Dramatically Increasing In U.S. — USNews.com
In a study published in 2025, a lower proportion of People of Color consumed psychedelics compared to White people in naturalistic settings.
Racial Differences in Naturalistic Psychedelic Use — Taylor & Francis Online
Based on national substance use disorder prevalence rates of 13 to 15 percent, between 6,300 and 7,300 US commercial pilots might meet diagnostic criteria for substance use disorder.
Substance Misuse Programs in Commercial Aviation — NCBI Bookshelf
📰 Sources (2)
- ATC exchange documents the crew rating the situation as 'threat level four' at its peak.
- Pilot reports Emerson was handcuffed in a rear jump seat and 'staying calm' as the aircraft descended.
- Additional verbatim ATC/cockpit audio: 'We need to make an emergency landing,' 'We’ve got the guy … out of the cockpit,' and repeated 'I’m not OK' from Emerson.
- Controller-pilot coordination details about checking with flight attendants and request for law enforcement on arrival.