February 08, 2019
Thom Carroll/PhillyVoice
An American Airlines plane takes off from the The Philadelphia International Airport.
Here's something new to spark fear of flying: a drunk pilot.
A trans-Atlantic American Airlines flight headed to Philadelphia from Britain's Manchester Airport was canceled Thursday after its pilot was suspected of intoxication.
The Greater Manchester Police said they received a report that the pilot was possibly under the influence of alcohol at the airport Thursday morning. The pilot was arrested on suspicion of performing the plane while over the prescribed alcohol limit. The 62-year-old pilot, who has not been publicly identified, was freed on bail pending further investigation.
American Airlines identified the flight as AA735 to Philadelphia. Passengers of the canceled flight were rebooked for other flights.
"American Airlines is aware of an incident involving a member of its crew at Manchester Airport earlier this morning," the aircraft carrier said in a statement to CBS 3.
"The employee was detained and the flight, AA735 to Philadelphia, has been canceled. Safety is our highest priority and we apologize to our customers for the disruption to their travel plans, we have rebooked them on alternative flights. We are fully cooperating with local law enforcement and further questions should be referred to them."
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