11/11/2009

Heathrow Pilot Faces 'Drunk' Charge

A pilot who was arrested at Heathrow Airport on suspicion of being drunk has been charged, the Metropolitan Police have confirmed.

United Airlines pilot Erwin Washington, 51, was arrested as the Chicago-bound flight, which had 124 passengers and 11 crew members on board, was preparing to depart, shortly after mid-day yesterday.

The passengers were put on other flights after the flight was cancelled.

It is understood that Mr Washington has been charged with "being aviation staff while exceeding the proscribed alcohol limit".

He is due to appear before Uxbridge magistrates in London on November 20.

Commenting on the incident, a spokesperson for United Airlines said: "Safety is our highest priority and the pilot has been removed from service while we are cooperating with authorities and conducting a full investigation."

(KMcA/BMcC)


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