Authorities have released footage of a Southwest Airlines pilot failing a sobriety test shortly before takeoff in January.
David Allsop, 52, from New Hampshire, was arrested at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport around 7 a.m. on January 7, according to the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office.
Bodycam footage from the police shows them questioning Allsop following alerts that the pilot might be intoxicated just before Southwest Flight 3772 was set to depart from Georgia to Chicago.
The pilot admitted that he drank “a few beers” 10 hours before the flight, to which the officer asked him to clarify.
David Allsop was arrested in January in relation to the Flight 3772 incident. (Chatham County Sheriff’s Office)
As a result, Allsop was detained, causing the flight to be delayed by four hours, ultimately departing at 11 a.m. Passengers were either rebooked or offered alternative flights, Southwest Airlines reported.
In January, Southwest told Fox News Digital that Allsop was “removed from duty.”
“We apologize for the disruption to our customers’ travel plans and accommodated them on different flights,” a spokesperson said. “The safety of our employees and customers is of utmost importance to Southwest.”
The pilot told officers he consumed “a few beers” about 10 hours before reporting for duty. (Savannah Airport Police)
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has strict rules prohibiting pilots from drinking alcohol within eight hours of flying. Additionally, pilots must maintain a blood alcohol content (BAC) below 0.04%.
Fox News Digital reached out to Southwest on Monday for comment.
