סאוט וועסט פיילאט ארעסטירט נאכן דורכפאלן די ניכטערקייט טעסט.
SAVANNAH, Ga. — A Southwest Airlines pilot was pulled from his aircraft moments before takeoff after police suspected he was intoxicated, according to newly released bodycam footage.
The pilot, identified as David Allsop, 52, was escorted off the plane at Savannah Airport earlier this year after officers noted signs of alcohol consumption. In the footage, Allsop admitted to having “a few light beers” the night before with his first officer. Officers said they could smell alcohol on him.
Initially, Allsop refused to take a field sobriety test, claiming it “wasn’t necessary.” However, he later complied, failing two out of three tests. He was taken into custody for further questioning.
Allsop was formally charged with DUI on January 15, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has since revoked his pilot certification. Southwest Airlines has not publicly commented on his employment status, but officials stressed that passengers were never placed at risk, as the pilot was removed before the flight could depart.
The case underscores ongoing concerns about pilot fitness-for-duty protocols and the role of law enforcement in ensuring aviation safety.
