Flight Delayed After Pilot Found to have Alcohol in System

Flight Delayed After Pilot Found to have Alcohol in System


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(KSL News) -- A flight on its way from South Dakota to Salt Lake City was delayed because the pilot had been drinking.

A security officer reported the SkyWest Airlines pilot smelled of alcohol. Officials called the pilot from the cockpit just before the flight took off.

A blood test confirmed there was alcohol in the pilot's system.

Passengers faced a three hour delay before a replacement pilot took them to Salt Lake... but they didn't seem to mind too much.

Mike Kranz, Passenger: "It doesn't sound very good, it's a good thing they got him before he got on the plane and flew us somewhere."

Todd Barber, Passenger: "There was a little frustration, but I'm not going to let it tarnish what was a beautiful vacation."

The captain is now on administrative leave.

SkyWest says they have a zero tolerance policy for pilots. Authorities say the pilot could face federal charges.

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