A former Alaska Airlines pilot accused of trying to cut the engines of a passenger flight in 2023 while riding off-duty in the cockpit pleaded guilty in federal court on Friday as part of an agreement with prosecutors. He's expected to plead no-contest to state charges, which carries the same legal effect as a guilty plea.

Joseph Emerson told CBS News in July he takes full responsibility for the night in October 2023. His attorney, Noah Horst, said the plea agreement was reached because Emerson wants to take responsibility for his actions and hopes to avoid further time behind bars.

Emerson was subdued by the flight crew after trying to cut the engines of a Horizon Air flight from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco on Oct. 22, 2023. He was riding in the cockpit jump seat behind t

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