Southwest Pilot Arrested for DUI Before Flight

A Southwest Airlines pilot, David Paul Allsop, was arrested for DUI at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport moments before he was to fly to Chicago. An airport security officer suspected Allsop of being intoxicated due to the smell of alcohol, and police confirmed this suspicion after Allsop failed multiple field sobriety tests and refused a blood-alcohol test. The pilot admitted to consuming 'a few light beers' the night before, attributing the smell to nicotine patches. As a result, Allsop was removed from duty, and passengers were rebooked on alternative flights. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations prohibit pilots from flying within eight hours of drinking or with a blood alcohol level of 0.04 or higher. Allsop was released on a $3,500 bond and awaits arraignment while the incident is under investigation.