The pilot at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport who was removed from the cockpit and charged with driving under the influence before a flight Wednesday morning admitted to drinking “light beers” the night before and reportedly refused to take a blood test that would determine alcohol content.

A Southwest Airlines pilot was apprehended in Georgia this week, delaying a flight from Savannah/Hilton Head to Chicago Midway. The pilot was reportedly escorted from the plane shortly before it was due to fly on Wednesday morning.

A Southwest Airlines pilot at the Savannah-Hilton Head International Airport was removed from an aircraft and charged with driving under the influence Wednesday morning, delaying the flight for hours.

A Southwest flight was delayed for five hours Wednesday morning due to a pilot being arrested and charged with DUI, officials said.

David Paul Allsop, 52, of Bedford, New Hampshire, faces a DUI charge following his arrest at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, according to records from the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office in Georgia. Allsop has been a licensed pilot since 2008.

A Southwest Airlines pilot was arrested at Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport and charged with driving under the influence, according to arrest records.

A Southwest Airlines pilot suspected of being drunk was removed from the cockpit and arrested just before takeoff Wednesday at a Georgia airport, according to airline officials and authorities in the state.

The pilot was arrested just before takeoff and charged with a DUI. The airline said he has since been removed from duty.