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A New York Times documentary examines the mental health issues impacting the aviation industry, highlighting the story of an Alaska Airlines pilot who attempted to crash a plane last fall. Capt. Joe Emerson was in the jump seat of an E175, hitching a ride to San Francisco from Oregon, when he tried to pull the engine fire extinguishers. The pilots flying managed to prevent him from fully deploying the fuel cutoff switches and restrained him.
Emerson discusses his emotional and mental struggles, compounded by an experiment with magic mushrooms two days earlier, which led to his actions. The program also addresses broader issues of pilot mental health, according to a review by The Daily Beast.
"The Beast says Emerson speaks frankly about his love of aviation but also the challenges faced by all airline pilots, among them lying about their medical status." Additionally, The Times examines the case of University of North Dakota aviation student John Hauser, who took his own life because he knew seeking help for his mental health struggles would end his dream of becoming a commercial pilot. The show airs on Aug. 23 on FX.
