Southwest Pilot Detained and Failed Sobriety Test Just Before Takeoff

A Southwest Airlines pilot was removed from duty and arrested just moments before he was scheduled to fly a commercial jet from Georgia to Chicago, after failing a sobriety test on the tarmac.

The pilot, 52-year-old David Allsop of New Hampshire, was taken into custody at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport on the morning of January 7.

According to police reports and newly released body camera footage, officers were called after receiving a tip that a pilot preparing to fly Southwest Flight 3772 may have been under the influence of alcohol.

The footage shows officers approaching Allsop near the aircraft. During questioning, the pilot admitted he had consumed “a few beers” the night before. Officers quickly pressed for clarification.

“Define a few beers,” an officer asked.

“Like three,” Allsop responded, adding that it was “light beer, Miller Lite.”

But the officers weren’t convinced. They said they smelled alcohol and noticed signs of possible intoxication. They asked Allsop to take a field sobriety test. He hesitated at first, saying there was “no need.”

Eventually, he agreed.

The video shows Allsop attempting to walk a straight line as part of the standard sobriety check. After evaluating his performance, officers determined he was not fit to fly.

He was arrested on the spot.

The incident caused a four-hour delay for passengers on Flight 3772. Some were rebooked on other flights, while others waited until the plane departed later that morning at 11 a.m.

Southwest Airlines confirmed that Allsop was “removed from duty” and issued a statement shortly after the event.