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Warnings of “don’t drink and drive” are quite prevalent and for good reason. One only needs to put in a cursory search to get a hit on many news stories about accidents and fatalities caused by drivers who were intoxicated while they were behind the wheel.
Of course, this hasn’t prevented some stubborn people from still taking the road, perhaps thinking that they only had a few drinks and so they should still be good enough to drive a car. In a way, that confidence is understandable because there’s still some margin for error in that case. It’s not right, but the margin for error is there.
What’s even more of a head-scratcher is a pilot who thinks he can fly the plane while drunk. But that’s what a Delta pilot tried to do on Tuesday morning at the Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport. Fortunately, people were quick to notice and the pilot was removed from the fully boarded plane and arrested, announced airport spokesman Patrick Hogan.
Airport police arrested 37-year-old Gabriel Lyle Schroeder from Rosemount, Minnesota, a little after 11 a.m. local time. An investigation revealed that the pilot was intoxicated when he boarded the plane.
At the TSA screening line for crew members, Schroeder was observed leaving the line when he noticed the additional screening.
“The individual left the line, which drew suspicion,” Hogan said.
Eventually, Schroeder rejoined the screening line and boarded the plane.
Once taken to custody, authorities found an alcohol container on Schroeder. Hogan didn’t specify what type of alcoholic substance was confiscated.
Investigators are waiting for the results of a toxicology report, which could take a week to come out. In the meantime, any formal charges and complaints haven’t been filed pending the release of the toxicology report.
Hogan added that Schroeder was released after he was booked.
Delta spokeswoman Kate Modolo said that the airline is cooperating with local authorities.
“Delta’s alcohol policy is among the strictest in the industry and we have no tolerance for violation. Delta is cooperating with local authorities in their investigation,” the statement said.
Delta has not released any details about Schroeder’s employment record or previous disciplinary issues if any.
At the time Schroeder was arrested, the plane was already fully boarded but luckily, had not yet left the gate. Passengers also deplaned from Delta Flight 1728 after the arrest but the flight, which was going to San Diego from Minneapolis, was only slightly delayed.