American Airlines Pilot Arrested Just Before Takeoff for Alleged Drunkenness

Denzel's 'Flight' role is a cautionary tale. Not a handbook.

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Complex Original

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Passengers already annoyed by the tedious task of traveling through the air in something that isn't a private jet were hit with another setback this weekend: an allegedly drunk pilot. An American Airlines co-pilot was detained at Detroit Metropolitan Airport on Saturday morning after failing a breathalyzer test, according toWXYZ-TV. The flight was scheduled to leave Detroit for Philadelphia early that morning but was promptly canceled following the Flight-esque incident, leaving would-be passengers to 'gram their struggles:

"This is a serious matter and we are assisting local law enforcement and the Federal Aviation Administration with the investigation," an American Airlines spokesperson said in a statement to WXYZ-TV. "We will handle this matter appropriately as the safety and care of our customers and employees is our highest priority." After being taken into custody by Wayne County officials following a failed breathalyzer test, the unnamed pilot then failed another one in the presence of Romulus police officers.

Though airport police confirmed to CNN that incidents of this variety are "extremely rare," this actually doesn't mark the first time that members of a flight's crew were allegedly wasted just before takeoff. Back in August of last year, an airBaltic flight was greatly hindered thanks to its allegedly wasted crew. Charges and jail time were eventually brought against those individuals, while the fate of this weekend's brazen American Airlines co-pilot remains to be seen.

Flight, featuring a career-best scene centered on Denzel Washington and the reliably great John Goodman, is dope. We can all agree on that. However, let's please stop trying to emulate it aboard actual airplanes. Thanks.

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