Southwest Pilot Arrested After Failing Field Sobriety Tests Before Flight: Body Cam Shows Frantic Boarding Drama
Jordan Collins here. I guess I can simplify this for you: a Southwest Airlines pilot was pulled off a plane in Savannah after failing field sobriety tests on the jet bridge, and yes, it was all caught on body camera.
On an April day in Georgia, 52-year-old David Allsop was set to captain a Southwest flight from Savannah to Chicago when a concerned person alerted authorities, saying Allsop smelled like alcohol. Savannah police body camera footage released this week documents the tense encounter that followed. Officers led Allsop off the aircraft and began questioning him about a possible impairment. He admitted to drinking “a few beers” the night before but insisted he had not consumed alcohol in the prior 10 hours, a claim he cited to meet the Federal Aviation Administration rule that requires a minimum of eight hours between alcohol consumption and flying.
Despite his assertion, an officer told the camera that he could detect an odor he believed to be alcohol coming from Allsop. The pilot countered that the smell was from nicotine gum he was chewing. After some initial resistance, Allsop agreed to perform several field sobriety tests administered by officers on the jet bridge. According to police, he failed two of the three evaluations. He declined a breathalyzer test and was placed in the back of a police cruiser. That refusal and the failed sobriety assessments resulted in his arrest.
Following the arrest, federal authorities moved quickly. The FAA has reportedly revoked Allsop’s pilot certificate pending further action, curbing his ability to fly commercially while investigations continue. Criminal charges remain pending in Georgia as local prosecutors and law enforcement review the case and any potential evidence. As of this writing, neither Allsop nor federal investigators have responded to requests for comment.
Let us be perfectly clear about the stakes here. Pilots operate under strict safety regulations for a reason. The FAA’s “bottle to throttle” guidance typically requires at least eight hours between drinking and flying, and many airlines have more conservative policies. Whether Allsop met the 10-hour window he claimed is not the only question. Field sobriety test failures on the jet bridge, combined with a witness report and a missed breath test, create a compelling case for immediate administrative action by both the airline and federal authorities.
This incident raises several broader concerns aviation-watchers and passengers should note. First, the role of third-party reporting proved critical. A concerned person on the ground initiated the chain of events that halted the flight and potentially averted a dangerous scenario. Second, body camera footage provides a transparent, real-time record that bolsters official accounts and can shape both public perception and legal outcomes. Finally, the FAA’s swift move to revoke the certificate signals how seriously regulators treat even allegations of impairment among flight crews.
The public will want to know the final legal outcome and whether Southwest pursues additional employment action. Expect prosecutors to review the body cam footage, any officer notes, and available witness statements. Meanwhile, travelers will likely demand assurances that screening and reporting protocols are airtight to prevent similar incidents.
So, yes, it was messy, it was on camera, and it landed a pilot in handcuffs before takeoff. Keep an eye on court filings and FAA notices if you want the full sequel. You probably should not assume everything you hear on Instagram is the whole story.
Glad I could clear that up for you.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and TMZ, Federal Aviation Administration reports, Savannah Police Department body camera release
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
