In a stunning breach of aviation safety, David Allsop, a 52-year-old Southwest Airlines pilot, was arrested on DUI charges at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport. The incident unfolded in January when Allsop was apprehended in the cockpit during pre-flight checks, just moments before he was scheduled to captain Flight 3772 to Chicago. The dramatic arrest was captured on newly released bodycam footage, thrusting the event into public view.
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers had first raised the alarm, suspecting Allsop of intoxication. Details on what specifically tipped them off have not been disclosed. However, the bodycam footage documents an officer confronting Allsop on the jet bridge, noting a strong smell of alcohol. Allsop attributed the smell to a nicotine pouch, but his explanation did not suffice.
With passengers already aboard the aircraft, police boarded the plane and escorted Allsop off to commence their investigation. Allsop admitted to drinking "a few beers" "like 10 hours ago at least" when questioned by the officers. Despite initially resisting sobriety tests, claiming they were unnecessary, Allsop relented and performed poorly on two out of three field sobriety tests, as reported by WMUR.
Refusing a blood draw to assess his blood alcohol content, Allsop's fate was sealed—handcuffed and removed from the airport in a police vehicle. Southwest Airlines responded swiftly by terminating Allsop's employment, a move that ended his nearly two-decade career with the airline. The company underscored that the safety of customers and employees was their utmost priority.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also acted decisively, revoking Allsop's pilot's license. While criminal charges are pending, he faces federal charges related to on-duty intoxication. Allsop's LinkedIn profile reveals a commendable history as a pilot for Southwest Airlines, spanning over 19 years, and prior military service with the United States Air Force's 50th Airlift Squadron since 1998.
This case not only highlights the strict enforcement of aviation safety protocols but also serves as a cautionary tale of how a momentary lapse can lead to a career's downfall. The airline industry, bound by stringent regulations, is unforgiving of such infractions, especially when public safety is at stake. Allsop's arrest is a stark reminder of the serious consequences awaiting those who violate trust in such high-responsibility positions.
