A Southwest Airlines pilot was removed from the cockpit before a flight Wednesday from Georgia to Chicago and was charged with driving under the influence, a source familiar with the incident told CBS News.
David Paul Allsop reportedly smelled of alcohol and may have exhibited other signs of intoxication, the source said. Savannah Airport Police removed him before Flight 3772 bound for Chicago Midway Airport took off.
“The employee has been terminated,” a Southwest Airlines spokesperson said. “Customers have been accommodated on other flights and we apologize for the disruption to their travel plans. There is nothing more important to Southwest than the safety of our employees and customers.”
Allsop’s bail was set at $3,500, according to jail records, which also indicated he was released on bond.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, airline employees are “removed from performing (safety-sensitive functions) if their breath alcohol concentration is 0.04 or greater on a breath alcohol test.” required blood alcohol level, or if they consume alcohol in violation of the rule. They are also temporarily removed from performing these duties if their breath alcohol concentration is between 0.02 and 0.039 during a required breath alcohol test.
Authorities have not released information regarding Allsop’s breath or blood alcohol concentration.
Pilots are also prohibited from consuming alcohol within eight hours of the flight, according to FAA rules, although the FAA says the most conservative approach is to wait 24 hours after the last consumption of alcohol. alcohol before flying.
“Any factor that impairs the pilot’s ability to perform the required tasks during the operation of an airplane is an invitation to disaster,” according to the FAA. “Alcohol consumption is a significant self-imposed stressor that should be eliminated from the cockpit. The ability to do so is strictly within the pilot’s control.”
The FAA also requires random alcohol testing for pilots every year. CBS News has reached out to the FAA for additional information about the testing.
Last year, a Delta pilot who showed up drunk before a flight was sentenced to 10 months imprisoned by a Scottish court.