Southwest^® Pilot Arrested for DUI Minutes Before Takeoff

Passengers aboard a Southwest^® Airlines flight from Georgia to Chicago experienced an unexpected delay when the flight's pilot, David Paul Allsop, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. The incident occurred on Jan. 15 as Allsop was performing pre-flight checks in the cockpit just minutes before takeoff.

Pilot Pulled From Cockpit for Alleged DUI

Airport security first became concerned when Allsop, 52, allegedly smelled of alcohol and appeared intoxicated while passing through a flight crew screening lane. According to The Guardian, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) reported that Allsop "smelled of alcohol and appeared intoxicated" while checking in at a flight crew screening lane on Wednesday morning.

Officers tracked Allsop to the cockpit, where he was "seated in the cockpit performing pre-flight checks," according to a police report obtained by The Guardian. The report noted that Allsop had "a strong odor of what seemed to be alcohol" and had "bloodshot, watery eyes and a flushed complexion."

When questioned, Allsop reportedly told officers the smell came from nicotine patches and admitted to drinking "a few light beers" the night before, as detailed in the police report, according to The Guardian. Despite his claims, Allsop refused a blood alcohol test and failed a field sobriety test, showing balance issues and other signs of intoxication.

Southwest's Quick Response

Southwest Airlines quickly removed Allsop from duty and accommodated passengers on alternative flights. In a statement shared by CBS News, the airline said, "Customers were accommodated on other flights and we apologize for the disruption to their travel plans. There's nothing more important to Southwest than the Safety of our Employees and Customers."

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) enforces strict rules about alcohol consumption for pilots. As reported by CBS News, the FAA states that "regulations prohibit pilots from using alcohol while on duty or from flying, or attempting to fly, an aircraft within 8 hours of consuming alcohol or if they have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.04% or greater."

The FAA also highlighted the risks of alcohol in aviation, stating, "Any factor that impairs the pilot's ability to perform the required tasks during the operation of an aircraft is an invitation for disaster. The use of alcohol is a significant self-imposed stress factor that should be eliminated from the cockpit. The ability to do so is strictly within the pilot's control," as reported by CBS News.

Legal Fallout and Lessons Learned in Aviation Safety

Allsop was charged with driving under the influence and released on a $3,500 bond. Officials have not disclosed whether he will face additional penalties.

Allsop's arrest highlights the dangers of impaired judgment in aviation and the importance of rigorous safety measures. As airlines and regulators continue to enforce high standards, passengers can remain confident in the safeguards that keep air travel one of the safest modes of transportation.

References: Southwest pilot removed from cockpit, booked for DUI | Southwest Airlines pilot charged with DUI while preparing for takeoff