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An off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot faces federal sentencing Monday for attempting to disable a jet’s engines while riding in the cockpit during a 2023 flight.

Federal prosecutors seek one year in prison; his defense team argues for probation, pointing to 50 days already served and his state court sentencing.

Emerson blamed a mental health crisis, saying he had taken psychedelic mushrooms, was grieving a friend’s death, and believed he was dreaming at the time.

PORTLAND, Ore. — A former Alaska Airlines pilot who tried to cut the engines of a passenger flight in 2023 while riding off-duty in the cockpit is set to appear for sentencing in federal court Monday.

Joseph Emerson pleade

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