An American airlines flight was cancelled and the pilot was taken away in handcuffs in front of bemused passengers after failing a breathalyzer test at the weekend.
Flight 736 was preparing to take off from Detroit Metropolitan Airport to Philadelphia when the unnamed co-pilot was removed from the aircraft.
A TSA agent spotted the co-pilot ‘acting suspiciously’ earlier according to news reports.
Airport police were called just minutes before the flight was due to take off to administer a breathalyzer.
The co-pilot failed the test, was arrested and underwent a second test, which he also failed, Michael Conway, Detroit Airport director of public affairs said.
"This is a serious matter and we are assisting local law enforcement and the Federal Aviation Administration with the investigation," American Airlines spokeswoman Laura Nedbal said.
"We will handle this matter appropriately as the safety and care of our customers and employees is our highest priority."
