A pilot scheduled to fly a commercial flight to Chicago was arrested minutes before departure after allegedly failing a sobriety test at a Georgia airport.
According to Fox News, Southwest Airlines pilot David Allsop was taken into custody on January 7, 2025, after admitting to drinking beer the night before his scheduled takeoff, resulting in a delay for dozens of passengers on Flight 3772.
The incident took place around 7 a.m. at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. Allsop, 52, a pilot employed by Southwest Airlines and a resident of New Hampshire, had been preparing for departure aboard a scheduled flight bound for Chicago.
According to law enforcement officials, authorities received a tip that the pilot may have consumed alcohol before arriving at the airport. Officers boarded the aircraft to investigate the claim, ultimately questioning Allsop in the cockpit shortly before the crew completed preflight duties. Body camera footage released by police shows officers approaching Allsop and asking if he had consumed any alcohol. During the exchange, the pilot initially described having “a few beers” and later clarified the amount.
Police Bodycam Captures Pilot’s Admission
“Define a few beers?” an officer asked in the recorded footage. Allsop responded by saying “like three,” specifying that he drank Miller Lite, a light beer. Officers reported smelling alcohol during their interaction with Allsop. Based on this observation and his response, they requested that he undergo a field sobriety test to determine his fitness to fly.
Though initially resistant, saying there was “no need” for the evaluation, Allsop agreed to participate in the test after some discussion. On video, he appeared to struggle while attempting to walk in a straight line, raising further concern from authorities present at the scene.
FAA Alcohol Guidelines Cited in Arrest
The Federal Aviation Administration prohibits pilots from consuming alcohol within eight hours of duty. Additionally, the FAA imposes a blood alcohol content limit of no more than 0.04% for individuals operating aircraft.
Following the failed field sobriety test and observations made by officers, Allsop was determined to be intoxicated and placed under arrest at the scene. He was escorted off the aircraft before passengers observed any further escalation. Due to the disruption, Southwest Airlines delayed Flight 3772 and eventually provided accommodations for affected travelers. The flight, which had been scheduled for a 7 a.m. departure, eventually took off at 11 a.m. the same morning.
Southwest Response to the Incident
In a statement released after the event, a spokesperson for Southwest Airlines acknowledged that the pilot had been dismissed from duty following the investigation. “Customers were accommodated on other flights,” the spokesperson said. “We apologize for the disruption to their travel plans.” The airline also emphasized that the safety of both customers and staff remains a top priority for the company.
Passengers at the airport were informed of the delay, and several were rebooked on alternate flights. The incident caused only a partial schedule disruption, with the flight resuming service later that day under a different crew.
Pilot’s Comments Spark Broader Concerns
The event has raised questions around alcohol use in the aviation industry and how airlines monitor crew compliance with FAA regulations. While passengers were ultimately not placed at risk, the pilot’s admission and failure to pass a field sobriety test have prompted renewed calls for stricter safety enforcement.
As of now, no further disciplinary actions have been announced in relation to the incident. Allsop’s current employment status outside of being “removed from duty” has not been publicly confirmed by the airline. Authorities have not disclosed whether a chemical alcohol test was performed following the initial assessment. The investigation is ongoing, and results may determine future legal or professional consequences for Allsop.
No Injuries Reported, Investigation Continues
No passengers or crew members were hurt, as the incident occurred while the aircraft was still on the ground. Law enforcement managed the situation calmly, and travelers were safely removed from the aircraft during the investigation.
The officer’s questioning and Allsop’s visible difficulty during the sobriety test were documented in their entirety via bodycam video released by local authorities. These materials are now being reviewed by regulatory agencies overseeing pilot certifications. Officials have not released a timeline for when a full investigative report or any administrative penalties might be finalized. Southwest Airlines has indicated it is cooperating fully with authorities.
