(NewsNation) — A former Alaska Airlines pilot, who tried to shut off the engines of a passenger plane in 2023, apologized as he pleaded guilty and no contest to over 80 state and federal charges on Friday.
Joseph Emerson, an off-duty pilot at the time, told a court he was having a nervous breakdown and struggling with depression when he attempted to shut off both of the plane’s engines on a 2023 flight between Everett, Washington, and San Francisco.
Emerson also said he consumed psychedelic mushrooms two days prior and had not slept in 40 hours. The flight emergency landed in Portland where Emerson was taken into custody.
He initially pleaded not guilty before changing his plea. As part of the plea, Emerson is never allowed to board a plane again except with prior written approval.
Federal prosecutors are expected to ask for a year in prison. He will be sentenced Nov. 17.