Southwest Pilot Fails Sobriety Test, Arrested at Georgia Airport

Pilot's Behavior and Initial Interaction

• 👮 Officers approached Southwest Airlines pilot David Paul Allsop, 52, at Savannah Hilton Head Airport before a scheduled 7 a.m. flight to Chicago.
• 👃 An odor consistent with an alcoholic beverage was detected on the pilot.
• ❓ When asked about his last drink, the pilot stated he had a "few beers" (defined as three light beers) the previous night, approximately 10 hours prior.

Field Sobriety Tests

• 🚫 The pilot initially refused to provide field sobriety tests, stating "there's no need."
• 🚗 After further discussion and confirmation of the alcohol odor, the pilot agreed to perform the tests.
• 👁️ The Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test was administered, with the pilot instructed to follow a pen tip with his eyes only.
• 🚶 For the Walk-and-Turn test, the pilot was instructed to take heel-to-toe steps on an incline, counting aloud to 10, and then repeat in the opposite direction.
• ⚖️ The One-Legged Stand test required the pilot to stand on one foot with hands at his side, counting aloud to 30.

Officer's Assessment and Arrest

• 🚨 Corporal Best, the supervisor, noted the pilot exhibited signs of impairment during the field sobriety tests.
• ⚖️ The pilot was informed that his refusal to submit to a blood draw would be considered DUI less safe and result in booking at the Chatham County Detention Center.
• 📝 The pilot was read Georgia's implied consent law, detailing the consequences of refusing a chemical test, including license suspension.
• 🔒 Ultimately, the pilot was detained and taken into custody, with his belongings to be logged as evidence.