Unruly pilot does the unthinkable in mid-flight near Portland - Alaska Horizon Flight 2059

On October 22, 2023, a domestic flight from Paine Field in Everett, Washington to San Francisco International Airport, operated by an Embraer 175, registration N660QX, was subject to an unbelievable action by one of the pilots.

[RichardBarnett-hsqy]

There's more to this story as I understand it.
The pilot had been suffering from depression for a number of years. Because of strict drug regulation and fear of admitting to a psychological condition or taking a prescribed anti-depressant (which would terminate his employment) he chose to self medicate with mushrooms to alleviate depression. He ended his career regardless. One man's personal tragedy could have been a catastrophic tragedy for all onboard.

[LTHanlon]

Great work choosing those exterior views of the aircraft, especially the close-ups!

[davidpp]

I disagree strongly with the grand jury’s decision not to indict!!!

[sludge]

Great graphics!! And a great outcome for this flight!!

[Borsia]

As one who has experienced magic mushrooms and sleep deprivation I don't buy his excuse and the charges shouldn't have been dismissed !!!
It was attempted murder and he knew what he was doing.

[walkerpantera]

I "liked" before even watching. You guys make the best aviation vids!

[billolsen]

"Yes, your honor, it was the ONE and ONLY time I'd taken psychedelic mushrooms. ABSOLUTELY the first time!"

[thedevilinthecircuit]

No sympathy from me.
"He needs help." Damn right he does.
Help his ass to prison.

[Bob]

Another example of how there are no serious consequences for serious crimes.

[calcobb]

These soft on real crime issues are exactly why this country is in deep peril. He could easily have taken this flight down if not for the pilots and attendants.

[timmy]

Good Lord that was scary. Glad they got the situation under control.

[jimmyb]

Wow! At 2:24 in the video, it shows the area where I lived for 50 years! That little lake at the bottom of the screen, is Panther Lake, which was about 1 mile from my home. I didn't know that they actually used real terrain and stuff in these CGI re-creations. Also, that big lake right above it, is Lake Youngs Reservoir; which supplies Seattle with water. This is cool.

[jtdd]

Oh, how understanding and compassionate.

[larrybaker]

ouch, he coudda be in command of an graphics and audio....liked the heat trails coming out of the exhaust during he got off cheap!

[MrCrystalcranium]

OMG...Timothy Leary in the cockpit! Not a great choice. These videos are fantastic. I have watched A LOT of aviation accident simulation channels and this one is among the best! Was there an air marshal onboard? I hope we're not losing vigilance in this department. Commercial air is still the most vulnerable of all the potential targets of terrorism.

[MetsterAnn]

The pilot had a psychotic episode. His best friend had died, he went to stay with other buddies for a memorial. They pulled out mushrooms, he tried them, and as they do in some people, plunged him in psychosis. He felt he was not alive or in a dream state for days.

He lost the career he wanted since he was a kid, which is sad but appropriate. He didn’t mean to harm anybody and didn’t understand what he was doing, so he should not face attempted murder charges. Sad story all around. The moral is don’t play with your brain chemistry. He’s not the only person who has had a psychotic episode from “micro dosing” mushrooms. They are not a safe drug for anybody, but certainly not when depressed. Unless you are under a doctors care, don’t try to fix problems with psychedelics.

[snarkybuttcrack]

I'm glad it has 2 modern engines, wouldn't want any of those 19th century ones

[billythekid]

ON 50, 000 dollar bond he pays only 5, 000 to be freed, He should be doing serious time! imo. So sad.

[KangaKanga-dzub]

Geez, he should have been indicted. It's funny how the courts decide who will be convicted and who gets off Scott free. I hope he was at least fired.

[flyingtigerline]

Your videos are not just great aviation stories but visual works of art.