An airline pilot was removed from a plane at a Georgia airport on Wednesday for allegedly being under the influence before embarking on a flight
David Allsop, aged 52, was taken into custody for driving under the influence at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. This incident resulted in flight delays, which the airline expressed regret for in a statement provided to WTOC.
Allsop was slated to fly the plane to Chicago’s Midway Airport before his arrest.
One passenger who was on the flight on Wednesday recounted to WHDH, “[The officer] entered the cockpit, then exited the aircraft, returned a few minutes later, and subsequently the pilot departed with him.”
According to a TSA representative interviewed by WHDH, an officer from the agency stationed at the airport observed Allsop, who emitted a strong smell of alcohol and displayed signs of intoxication while passing through the crew screening area. The TSA officer then alerted the local authorities.
Allsop, who is from New Hampshire, was released from a Chatham County jail on a $3,500 bond.
Southwest Airlines said Allsop has been removed from his role in light of Wednesday’s arrest.
[Feature Photo: David Allsop/Chatham County Sheriff’s Office]
