Off-duty pilot's psychedelic trip leads to mid-flight engine shutdown attempt

An off-duty pilot, Joseph David Emerson, is facing 83 counts of attempted murder after allegedly attempting to shut off the engines of a plane mid-flight. According to court documents, Emerson admitted to taking psychedelic mushrooms two days prior to the incident. While sitting in the cockpit's jumpseat, he pulled the handles of the fire suppression system, but was unable to fully shut off the engines. Emerson claimed he thought he was dreaming and wanted to wake up. He also mentioned struggling with depression and recent personal loss. Emerson faces federal charges of interfering with flight crew members and attendants, as well as over 160 state charges.