A newly released bodycam video has exposed a troubling incident involving a Southwest Airlines pilot who failed a sobriety test at Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport before a scheduled flight, violating Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) alcohol regulations. The footage, obtained by authorities, depicts the moment David Allsop, 52, of New Hampshire, was taken into custody on January 7. The pilot was arrested after officers received reports that he might have been under the influence just before departing for Chicago on Southwest Flight 3772.
According to the video, officers approached Allsop after detecting the smell of alcohol. When asked to take a sobriety test, he initially claimed there was ‘no need.’ However, when pressed about the exact amount of alcohol consumed, he admitted to drinking ‘a few beers’ approximately 10 hours before the flight. The officer, seeking clarity, asked him to specify, to which Allsop responded, ‘Like three,’ referring to three beers of light beer, Miller Lite.
Despite his admission, the field sobriety test confirmed he was still intoxicated, leading to his arrest. The incident not only disrupted the scheduled flight but also resulted in a four-hour delay. Passengers were either rebooked or accommodated on other flights, as stated by Southwest Airlines, which apologized for the inconvenience caused to travelers. The airline emphasized its commitment to the safety of both employees and customers, stating that ‘there’s nothing more important to Southwest than the safety of our employees and customers.’
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has strict regulations regarding alcohol consumption by pilots. It prohibits pilots from consuming alcohol within eight hours of a flight and maintains a blood alcohol content (BAC) limit of 0.04% or higher. Allsop was removed from duty, and his actions are being investigated by the FAA. Southwest Airlines has also announced that the pilot is no longer working for the company, citing safety concerns.
This incident has raised serious questions about the oversight of aviation safety protocols and the potential for human error in high-stakes environments like commercial aviation. The pilot’s admission highlights the critical need for adherence to FAA regulations to ensure the safety of all passengers and crew on board. Southwestern Airlines, while expressing solidarity with its customers, has reiterated its strict stance on upholding safety standards, emphasizing that such incidents will not be tolerated.