A Southwest Airlines pilot was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) on Wednesday, according to a Chatham County Jail booking report. The incident occurred at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, where David Allsop, the pilot of Southwest Airlines Flight 3772, was detained by airport police. The flight, scheduled for departure from Savannah, was disrupted when law enforcement officers boarded the plane and arrested Allsop before it could take off.
Following the arrest, Southwest Airlines issued a statement acknowledging the situation and providing further details. The airline confirmed that the employee, identified as David Allsop, was immediately removed from duty after the arrest. Passengers who were booked on Flight 3772 were reassigned to other flights to ensure minimal disruption to their travel plans. Southwest Airlines expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to customers and emphasized their commitment to safety, stating, “There’s nothing more important to Southwest than the safety of our Employees and Customers.”
The airline did not offer further comment regarding the specifics of the arrest or Allsop’s future employment status. However, the incident has raised concerns about safety protocols, particularly regarding the oversight of employees in safety-sensitive roles such as pilots. It is unclear whether Allsop had been under the influence before boarding the flight or if the situation arose only after arriving at the airport.
Local authorities are expected to proceed with the legal process, and further details may emerge as the investigation continues. This arrest serves as a reminder of the stringent regulations surrounding airline personnel, especially pilots, and the importance of maintaining a safe environment for both passengers and crew members.
The situation is also a notable example of law enforcement’s vigilance in ensuring the safety of the aviation industry, with airport police acting swiftly to prevent a potential danger before any harm could occur.
