David Allsop, a 52-year-old Southwest Airlines pilot, was arrested in Georgia this past April after reportedly failing multiple field sobriety tests just steps away from the airplane he was scheduled to fly. Newly released body cam footage captures the tense confrontation between Allsop and law enforcement.
The incident occurred at Savannah’s airport, where Allsop was preparing to fly a commercial route to Chicago. Police were reportedly alerted by a concerned third party who believed the pilot smelled of alcohol prior to takeoff.
Body Cam Footage Reveals Tense Encounter
The newly released footage begins with officers pulling Allsop off the plane and questioning him. In the video, the pilot admits to having had a few beers the previous night but insists he had not consumed any alcohol in the past 10 hours, slightly exceeding the FAA’s mandatory 8-hour “bottle-to-throttle” rule for pilots.
An officer on scene, however, claims he detected an odor of alcohol, which Allsop disputes, saying the smell was actually from nicotine gum he was chewing.
Field Sobriety Tests and Arrest
Authorities requested that Allsop undergo field sobriety testing on the airport bridge. Initially resistant, the pilot eventually complied but reportedly failed two out of three tests. He then refused to take a breathalyzer and was placed in a police cruiser, ending the confrontation.
The FAA has since revoked Allsop’s pilot license, citing safety concerns. Criminal charges are still pending, and federal authorities are investigating the case further.
Safety Concerns and Industry Reactions
This incident highlights the zero-tolerance policy airlines and federal agencies maintain regarding pilot sobriety. The FAA’s strict regulations are designed to prevent incidents in the cockpit that could put hundreds of passengers at risk.
Southwest Airlines has not commented on Allsop’s status, and officials have reiterated that passenger safety is always the top priority.
Key Takeaways
- David Allsop, Southwest pilot, arrested in Georgia for failing sobriety tests.
- Body cam footage captures tense police interaction before flight to Chicago.
- Pilot admitted to drinking the night before but claims he was sober for 10 hours.
- FAA revoked his license; criminal charges pending.
Stay tuned to The Pop Radar for updates on this shocking airline incident.
What are your thoughts on this pilot arrest? Could stricter screenings prevent these incidents? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!