Denver Private Pilot Arrested for Excessive Alcohol Levels Before Takeoff Attempt

A pilot was recently arrested at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport in Broomfield, Colorado, after attempting to take off in a 1964 Mooney M20E with blood alcohol content (BAC) levels five times over the legal limit. The incident, marked by an unusual exchange over the radio with traffic control, raised immediate red flags about the pilot’s ability to operate the aircraft safely.

Airport officers and a sheriff, who observed the pilot taxiing back to a hangar, noted significant signs of intoxication. These included red and watery eyes, unsteady movements, slurred speech, and a noticeable alcohol odor. An attempt to conduct a field sobriety test was made by the sheriff, but the pilot’s severe impairment made it unsuccessful, leading to his arrest.

Further investigation at the police station confirmed the pilot’s condition, with a breathalyzer test revealing a staggering .20 BAC, equivalent to 200mg of ethanol per 100ml of blood. This level of intoxication is not only dangerous but also significantly exceeds the legal limits for operating an aircraft, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the potential disaster averted by the timely intervention of airport authorities.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, kygo.com