Southwest Pilot David Paul Allsop, 52, Arrested for DUI in Georgia, Causing 5-Hour Delay to Chicago Flight

Jan 16, 2025, 04:51 PM

A Southwest Airlines pilot, David Paul Allsop, aged 52 and a resident of Bedford, New Hampshire, was arrested at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport in Georgia on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI). The arrest occurred on Wednesday morning before he was scheduled to captain Southwest Flight 3772 from Savannah to Chicago's Midway Airport. The flight was delayed for nearly five hours, departing at 10:56 a.m. after a replacement pilot was found. Allsop was removed from duty by Southwest Airlines, which emphasized the importance of safety for its employees and customers. The airline apologized for the disruption to passengers' travel plans, who were accommodated on other flights. Allsop's bail was set at $3,500, and he was released on bond. The incident was reported to have been initiated by a TSA officer who noticed Allsop smelling of alcohol and appearing intoxicated during crew screening. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations prohibit pilots from consuming alcohol within eight hours of flying or having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04% or greater.