A SkyWest pilot was removed from the cockpit of a plane at Rapid City Regional Airport early Wednesday and charged with attempting to fly while drunk, police said.
Joseph Duszak, 38, was removed and subsequently arrested on a misdemeanor charge of operating an aircraft under the influence of alcohol.
He had been due to fly Delta Connection flight 4574 to Salt Lake City, Utah.
Airport officials said he smelled of alcohol and police were called to investigate.
In a Twitter post Rapid City Police Department confirmed Duszak tested positive for excess blood alcohol above the legal limit of .04.
"Airport management and airline officials have been helpful to ensure passenger safety is a top priority. The system worked the way it is designed to ensure passengers’ safety was not compromised," said Rapid City police chief Karl Jegeris.
The flight was delayed more than two hours while a replacement pilot was found for what SkyWest called a ‘crew member issue.’
Duszak has been taken off flying duties and could face up to one year in prison if convicted.
