Passengers had buckled up. The pilot was in the cockpit. Then police stepped on board and led him out in cuffs. A flight to Chicago never left the ground.

🚨 What Happened: Officers took a 52-year-old Southwest Airlines pilot off a plane in Savannah on Wednesday morning after a security officer flagged him during crew screening.

Police found him in the cockpit doing checks and noted signs that he might be impaired.

He declined a blood-alcohol test after a field exam showed balance and coordination issues, police said.

🛫 Why It Matters: Trust is the only thing between you and 30,000 feet. When a pilot is accused of drinking on duty, it shakes that trust and tests the systems meant to protect travelers.

🔎 Between the Lines: The pilot told police he’d had a few beers the night be

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