Utah pilot arrested for investigation of flying under influence

Utah pilot arrested for investigation of flying under influence

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SALT LAKE CITY — Police in Rapid City, South Dakota, arrested a Utah pilot Wednesday as he was preparing to fly back to Salt Lake City after it was reported that he smelled of alcohol.

Russel Duszak, 38, of Salt Lake City, was taken into custody for investigation of operating an aircraft under the influence of alcohol, according to a release from the Rapid City Police Department. Duszak was to pilot a Skywest flight back to Salt Lake City International Airport.

Rapid City Police Lt. Elias Diaz said Duszak was going through TSA screening at the airport when an agent noticed the possible smell of alcohol. The agent notified police who located Duszak on the aircraft.

"When the officer made contact with him, he was in the cockpit of the plane," Diaz said.

The department said it received reports about Duszak about 8 a.m. The flight was scheduled to depart at 8:30 a.m., according to flight tracking services.

A pilot is prohibited to fly with a blood-alcohol level above 0.04, according to the release.

Rapid City Police Chief Karl Jegeris announced the arrest on Twitter.

"Airport management and airline officials have been helpful to ensure passenger safety is a top priority," Jegeris tweeted. "The system worked the way it is designed to ensure passengers' safety was not compromised."

Skywest Airlines issued a statement saying the company "holds its employees to the highest standards of professionalism" and makes safety a top priority.

"We apologize to our passengers for the delay of SkyWest flight #4574, operating as Delta connection from Rapid City to Salt Lake City, due to a crew member issue. The crew member has been placed on administrative leave and removed from flying duties as we investigate this situation. We are cooperating fully with law enforcement's investigation into this matter," the statement said.

A search of Utah court records shows Duszak has no previous alcohol-related charges in the state.

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McKenzie Romero

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