Airline pilot arrested over suspected intoxication before flight

A Southwest Airlines pilot, 62‑year‑old David Allsop, was arrested at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport in January after officers observed signs of intoxication before his scheduled flight to Chicago. Allsop admitted to drinking the night before, initially refusing sobriety tests but later agreeing. He struggled with balance, failed multiple field sobriety tests, and refused a blood test, leading to his arrest. He was booked into the Chatham County Detention Center, and the flight was delayed until a replacement pilot was assigned. Southwest Airlines removed him from duty and subsequently dismissed him, emphasizing passenger safety, and the FAA revoked his pilot certification two months later.