Title: Southwest Pilot Held before Departure Due to Alleged DUI Charges
On a Wednesday morning in January 2025, Southwest Airlines passenger Robert Newmerch noticed something unusual. He witnessed police escorting the pilot off Flight 3772 at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport in Georgia. The incident caused a significant disruption to the flight's schedule, delaying its departure by nearly five hours.
The pilot in question was David Paul Allsop, a 52-year-old man from Bedford, New Hampshire. Allsop faced charges of driving under the influence (DUI) following his arrest at the airport, as reported by CNN affiliate WTOC. The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office in Georgia reported the arrest, although they did not specify the type of substance Allsop is alleged to have used.
The exact circumstances leading to Allsop's arrest are unclear, but enrichment data suggests that a TSA officer observed signs of intoxication during the crew screening process. Concerned, the officer contacted local law enforcement, who then arrested Allsop. His bail was set at $3,500, and he was later released on bond.
As per Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, pilots are prohibited from consuming alcohol within eight hours of flying or attempting to fly an aircraft. The cutoff is even stricter if a pilot's blood alcohol concentration is 0.04 or higher, as regulations clearly state. Southwest Airlines swiftly acknowledged the situation and removed Allsop from duty. In a statement, the airline emphasized its commitment to passenger and employee safety and apologized for the inconvenience caused by the delay.
While Southwest Airlines accommodated passengers on other flights, the incident left a lasting impression on Robert Newmerch. He explained his feelings in an interview with WTOC, admitting that the sight of the pilot's removal from the aircraft left him quite unsettled. "To see that and know that that's why I didn't fly to Midway this morning, it definitely left a little odd feeling in my stomach," Newmerch shared.
Despite the disturbing incident, Southwest Airlines continued its operations, ensuring the safety of its passengers and employees is always a priority. Regulations concerning aviation safety and alcohol use are crucial to maintain a secure and reliable air travel experience for all.
Robert Newmerch had planned to travel to Midway on Flight 3772, but the incident involving the pilot's arrest delayed his journey. Due to this unexpected travel disruption, he had to fly on another Southwest Airlines flight.