Ex-Alaska Airlines pilot released from custody after attempting to sabotage plane's engines
Joseph Emerson, the former Alaska Airlines pilot accused of trying to shut off the engines of a plane traveling from Washington state to San Francisco, has been released from custody after posting $50,000 bond. Emerson, who pleaded not guilty to 83 reduced charges of reckless endangerment, claimed to have suffered a panic attack and was in a dream-like state during the incident. He had previously faced 83 attempted murder charges, which were not filed by the grand jury. As part of his release conditions, Emerson must undergo mental health services, stay away from drugs and alcohol, and not come within 30 feet of an operable aircraft.
