Joseph Emerson, an ex-pilot who tried to cut the engines of an Alaska Airlines flight in 2023 while riding off-duty in the cockpit, has reached plea deals with state and federal prosecutors , his attorney said Thursday.

Details of the plea were not released, but Emerson, 46, will have change-of-plea hearings Friday for the Oregon state and federal charges stemming from the disturbing incident.

Attorney Noah Horst said Emerson wants to take responsibility and hopes to avoid further time behind bars.

Emerson was riding in the extra seat in the cockpit during a Horizon Air flight from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco on Oct. 22, 2023, when he grabbed a pair of handles to activate the plane’s fire suppression, cut off the fuel supply and stop the engines. The flight crew was able t

See Full Page