Pilot at MSP Airport Arrested, Removed from Flight

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - A Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport spokesman says an American Airlines pilot preparing for takeoff was arrested and removed from his plane after failing an alcohol Breathalyzer test.

Airport spokesman Patrick Hogan says before the pilot boarded the flight, witnesses alerted airport police that the pilot smelled like alcohol. Hogan says the pilot was on the plane conducting a preflight check when police officers boarded, conducted the test and arrested him about 6:30 a.m. Friday on suspicion of being under the influence of alcohol.

Passengers had not yet boarded the flight. Hogan says he doesn't yet know whether the pilot was flying a regional plane or national flight.

He was taken to Fairview Southdale Hospital for a blood test. Hogan says the pilot is expected to be booked later Friday.