A former Alaska Airlines pilot accused of trying to turn off a plane’s engines mid-flight is expected to plead guilty.

Joseph Emerson, who was off duty and sitting in the cockpit during a 2020–2023 flight, is facing charges for allegedly attempting to shut down the plane while it was in the air.

Emerson told police he had been grieving the death of a friend, hadn’t slept in 40 hours, and had used psychedelic mushrooms days earlier.

His lawyer says a plea deal has been reached, though details of the agreement have not yet been released.

Authorities say the case will proceed once the plea is formally entered in court.

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