SAVANNAH- A Southwest Airlines (WN) pilot was arrested on suspicion of alcohol consumption moments before piloting a flight from Savannah (SAV) to Chicago (MDW).
The arrest occurred after a TSA agent detected the smell of alcohol on the pilot’s breath during a routine security check. The airline promptly removed the pilot from duty, prioritizing passenger safety and adhering to FAA regulations.
Photo: Aero Icarus | FlickrSouthwest Airlines Pilot Arrested
On January 15, a Southwest Airlines (WN) flight scheduled to depart Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) at 6:05 AM for Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) was delayed after the pilot aged 51, David Allsop, was arrested.
According to the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, Allsop was detained by Savannah Airport Police on suspicion of operating under the influence of alcohol and was held on a $3,500 bond.
The arrest occurred after Allsop attempted to pass through the TSA checkpoint, where agents reportedly smelled alcohol on his breath. Following protocol, airport police were called to conduct further investigation.
FAA regulations strictly prohibit pilots from consuming alcohol within 8 hours of a flight. A rule commonly referred to as “bottle to throttle.“
Additionally, a pilot’s blood alcohol concentration must not exceed 0.04%. Violations of these regulations can lead to severe consequences, including suspension, fines, or imprisonment.
After the arrest, Southwest Airlines arranged for a replacement pilot. Flight WN 3772 ultimately departed at 11:00 AM, resulting in a nearly 5-hour delay for its 143 passengers.
The penalties for pilots found over the alcohol limit are severe. Beyond fines or imprisonment, pilots risk losing their certifications and reputations. International jurisdictions often impose stricter penalties, further discouraging violations.
Photo: Aero Icarus | FlickrSouthwest Airlines’ Response
Following the arrest, a spokesperson for Southwest Airlines emphasized the company’s commitment to safety, stating:
“We’re aware of a situation involving an employee on Flight 3772 this morning from Savannah. The Employee has been removed from duty. There’s nothing more important to Southwest than the safety of our employees and customers.”
Southwest Airlines Spokesperson
The airline’s swift action in this case reflects industry-wide prioritization of passenger safety and regulatory compliance.
Photo: By Kentaro Iemoto from Tokyo, Japan – Delta A330-200(N851NW), CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=23460193Similar Incidents
This incident underscores the critical importance of stringent alcohol testing in aviation. Despite federal rules, enforcement relies heavily on random checks and vigilance by security personnel. Recent cases demonstrate the ongoing challenges of maintaining safety standards:
- In March 2024, Delta Airlines (DL) pilot Lawrence Russell, 63, was jailed in the UK for reporting to duty while over the alcohol limit. Russell had been scheduled to fly from Edinburgh (EDI) to New York (JFK) but was flagged during a security check when alcohol was found in his carry-on.
- Late last year, two Delta Airlines (DL) flight attendants failed random breathalyzer tests at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS). One was fined €1,900 after being 7 times over the legal limit for aircrew.
- Japan Airlines (JL) confirmed two pilots exceeded alcohol limits before Flight JL774 from Melbourne to Tokyo Narita on December 1st, 2024. This violation resulted in considerable departure delays for passengers.
- In a separate incident, a 63-year-old United Airlines (UA) pilot, Henry W, faced legal consequences in Paris after failing an alcohol screening at Charles de Gaulle Airport. Law enforcement detected visible signs of intoxication when the pilot arrived for his Washington-bound flight on July 23rd. His blood alcohol content surpassed European regulatory limits for the flight crew.
These cases highlight the need for robust policies, regular testing, and international cooperation to prevent alcohol consumption among flight crews.
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Two Drunk Japan Airlines Pilots Delays Flight from Australia
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