Singapore pilot fails alcohol test - flight cancelled

SINGAPORE B777-212 9V-SQM (CN 33372)      File Photo

Outraged passengers have slammed Singapore Airlines for a “clear lie” after the pilot allegedly failed a random breath test in Melbourne. A passenger aboard the Melbourne to Wellington flight says he was lied to by airline staff about the condition of a pilot who failed a random breath test. Passengers were waiting to board the Boeing 777 when an announcement from staff revealed there was a problem. Passengers were told that a crew member was “under the weather”. “My impression was that they were sick. Then 15 minutes later they said it was the captain. All the communication was that the pilot was ‘sick’ or ‘not in the condition to fly’. Later, when I spoke to airline staff, they told me the pilot had eaten something bad. “That was clearly a lie.”  The Flight, SQ 247, was due to depart Melbourne at 7am local time after landing earlier at 4.36am from Singapore, and arrive in New Zealand's Wellington at 12.20pm, but the take-off was abruptly cancelled after the pilot failed a test. As a result, the return flight SQ248 from Wellington NZ was also cancelled, said SIA. A SIA spokesman said "The Civil Aviation Safety Authority officials undertook a random drug and alcohol test of all crew prior to them starting their pre-flight checks.  "The pilot in question did not pass the test due to having a higher than suitable blood alcohol limit." The spokesman said the pilot has been suspended until an investigation is undertaken. He said: "We sincerely apologise to those affected by the cancellation of these flights. However, the safety of our customers and crew is our highest priority... We are working with those customers whose travel has been inconvenienced to find suitable alternate travel arrangements as soon as possible." Passengers had posted online about missing the flight, with a few expressing their frustration at being unable to fly to Wellington to catch a rugby match between New Zealand and South Africa.

Aircraft Information

Airline: Singapore Airlines

Code: SQ/SIA

Flight Number: 247

Aircraft Type: Boeing 777-212

Registration: 9V-SQN

Serial Number: 33373

First Flew: 3/8/2004

Age: 14 Yrs 1 Mnth