United pilot arrested after failing breath test

A United Airlines pilot was arrested at Heathrow Airport after failing a breath test on board his plane just as he was getting ready to fly the aircraft to San Francisco.

Confirmed police reports see officers boarding the B747-400 and arresting a 44-year-old man just before UA955 was due to depart.

Media outlets in Britain have reported that the unnamed pilot was the first officer, but this is yet to be confirmed by United.  What has been confirmed is that United has suspended him from flying, pending police and internal investigations.

Officers were believed to have been tipped off by ground handling staff.

 “United’s alcohol policy is among the strictest in the industry and we have no tolerance for abuse of violation of this well-established policy,” said United Airlines in a statement.

“Safety is our No1 priority and the pilot has been removed from service while we are co-operating with authorities and conducting a full investigation.”

Served by traveloscopy.com