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SkyWest pilot from Utah arrested for trying to fly drunk

Posted at 1:05 PM, Oct 26, 2016
and last updated 2016-10-26 15:48:16-04

RAPID CITY, SD – A pilot from Salt Lake City has been arrested for allegedly trying to fly a plane while under the influence.

Rapid City Police said SkyWest Airlines pilot 38-year-old Russel Duszak was scheduled to fly the Delta connection flight from Rapid City, South Dakota, to Salt Lake City, Utah, Wednesday morning.

Airport officials said Duszak smelled of alcohol and authorities were called to investigate.

Pilots are prohibited from flying with a blood alcohol content of over .04 and officers said Duszak was over that limit.

He was arrested for Operating an Aircraft Under the Influence of Alcohol.

SkyWest sent Fox 13  this statement:

SkyWest holds its employees to the highest standards of professionalism and the safety and security of our customers and people are our top priority. We apologize to our passengers for the delay of SkyWest flight #4574, operating as Delta Connection from Rapid City to Salt Lake City, due to a crewmember issue. The crewmember has been placed on administrative leave and removed from flying duties as we investigate this situation. We are cooperating fully with law enforcement’s investigation into this matter.