David Allsop, a veteran pilot for Southwest Airlines, is adamantly disputing claims that he tried to pilot a commercial aircraft while intoxicated.
Police bodycam footage from his arrest earlier this year, right before a scheduled flight, seems to show him failing field sobriety tests. His legal team, however, maintains that Allsop did not commit any crimes and that the tests were conducted improperly.
A Respected Career Put on Hold
David Allsop, 53, was a former member of the U.S. Air Force and had been with Southwest Airlines for 20 years. Allsop had no recorded mishaps during his commercial flying career and was well-known among his peers for having a perfect flying record.
David Chaiken, his lawyer, referred to him as an American hero and stated that his arrest was due to procedural mistakes rather than criminal activity.
According to Chaiken, a thorough examination of the arrest footage on January 15, 2025, unequivocally demonstrates that Allsop was not drunk. He said that after analyzing the video, specialists concluded that the arrest was void since the field sobriety tests were not carried out correctly and that customary protocols were disregarded.
The Arrest at Savannah Airport
On the day of his arrest, Allsop was supposed to take a Southwest Airlines flight from Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport to Chicago. A police officer reported smelling alcohol on him during pre-flight procedures and noticing symptoms like bloodshot, watery eyes, and a flushed face.
Allsop acknowledged drinking three Miller Lite beers when questioned if he had had any alcohol, but he claimed that this had happened almost ten hours before his shift. He said that the stench might have come from the nicotine pouches he was using, dismissing the officer’s worries.
Allsop first objected to the sobriety tests, saying they weren’t required, but he finally consented. He was arrested because, according to the officer, he failed two of the three tests.
Details from the Police Report
Allsop struggled during important parts of the test, according to documentation from Chatham County police officer Josiah Best. He saw that Allsop swayed during the one-leg stand test and that he was unable to follow a pen with his eyes alone, instead moving his head.
Police charged Allsop with DUI after escorting him off the jet bridge for additional interrogation in light of these findings.
His pilot’s certification was promptly withdrawn by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) after the arrest, preventing him from operating any commercial aircraft.
Response from Southwest Airlines
In response, Southwest Airlines confirmed that Allsop was taken off duty immediately following the event. The airline clarified in their statement that he is no longer working for the company.
They stated that they take any indication of intoxication very seriously and reaffirmed their dedication to passenger safety.
The Defense Pushes Back
Allsop’s actions are still being defended by lawyer David Chaiken, who maintains that the evidence in the video does not establish guilt. He asserts that Allsop’s behavior was compatible with someone who was fit to fly and not intoxicated, and that the field sobriety tests were defective.
Additionally, he expressed concern about the absence of a blood test or breathalyzer, claiming that this undermines the case against his client.
Even seasoned specialists like Allsop may be falsely implicated if protocols are not followed to prevent unjust arrests, according to Chaiken.
What Happens Next?
The case of Allsop is still pending. In addition to contesting the DUI accusation, his legal team is working to have his pilot’s certification reinstated. After what he and his supporters claim has been a misinterpretation and improper use of law enforcement protocol, Allsop could resume flying if he is successful.
The case brings to light the continuous discussions in law enforcement and aviation on the definition of sobriety and the amount of proof required to terminate a professional career. The outcome of the lawsuit and the FAA’s ultimate judgment now determine Allsop’s future in aviation.
Source
