A JetBlue pilot suspected of inebriation was escorted off a plane in Buffalo, New York, moments before the flight was scheduled to depart for Fort Lauderdale.
According to Helen Tederous, public affairs director for NFTA, the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority, the co-pilot did blow four times the legal limit for pilots during a breathalyzer test.
The pilot, identified as 52-year-old James Clifton of Orlando, blew a 0.17 on a breathalyzer test, according to authorities.
According to a police report, when asked about his alcohol consumption, Clifton stated that “he only had five to six the night before at dinner.”
According to an officer, Clifton was overheard on the phone telling someone that “he had consumed approximately ’10 22-ounce tall boys’ and left the restaurant around midnight.”
Clifton was escorted off the aircraft without incident, Murphy stated. According to a JetBlue representative, the airline is working collaboratively with authorities.
“We adhere to all DOT rules and requirements concerning alcohol at all times and have a very strict zero tolerance internal alcohol policy,” said spokesperson Derek Dombrowski.
Source: Local10
