A Southwest Airlines pilot was arrested and removed from the cockpit at a Georgia airport moments before takeoff, after allegedly showing signs of intoxication.
Flight 3772, scheduled to depart Savannah for Chicago Midway Airport at 6:05 a.m., was delayed for nearly five hours after Savannah Hilton Head International Airport police responded to reports of a pilot exhibiting signs of intoxication, CBS News reported.
On Wednesday, David Paul Allsop, 52, was escorted from the aircraft and subsequently charged with driving under the influence. Southwest Airlines immediately removed him from duty, and passengers were rebooked on other flights.
FAA regulations strictly prohibit pilots from consuming alcohol within eight hours of flying or operating an aircraft with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.04% or higher.
While no details of his BAC have been disclosed, the incident has sparked public and regulatory concern over safety standards.
Southwest Airlines issued an apology to passengers for the disruption and emphasized its commitment to safety.
Allsop was released on a $3,500 bond and awaits further legal proceedings.
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