A Chelmsford couple were stranded in Florida for 18 hours after the co-pilot of their aircraft failed a breath test for alcohol, minutes before it was due to take off.
Armed US police escorted the Britannia Airways first officer to the terminal as 280 passengers sat with seats belts fastened in the Boeing 767 at Sanford Airport.
The couple, who do not wish to be named, said they were caught up in a terrifying ordeal."We were told to fasten our belts, but nothing happened for 45 minutes and we were starting to get concerned," they said.
They added that rumours spread like wildfire among the passengers after those in first class seats saw the co-pilot escorted off the jet by armed US police.
The first officer was given a calibrated alcohol test back at the terminal which proved negative.
Britannia Airways claim the initial test was possibly triggered by alcohol present in a mouthwash.
The first officer has not been suspended, but taken off flying duties, according to the airline, pending the outcome of a full investigation.
The Britannia spokesman commented:"The co-pilot said he was unwell, but as a precaution he was breath tested and it proved positive. However a further calibrated test back at the terminal failed to show a single drop of alcohol in his body."
The couple said the first they knew of the drink allegation was when they read about it in a national newspaper a week after finally landing at Gatwick Airport, more than 18 hours later than scheduled.
Published Friday October 25, 2002
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article