Pilot from Lakewood reportedly misses court date in London

Lakewood resident and United Airlines pilot Erwin Vermont Washington, who was removed from an international flight out of London bound for Chicago after he failed a breathalyzer test,  missed a court appearence in London Friday, according to media reports.

Washington, 51, earlier this month was charged with operating an aircraft while under the influence of alcohol after failing a breath test at London’s Heathrow airport.

He was scheduled to appear before magistrates in northwest London Friday, but his attorney told the court his client was ill and could not travel to London, according to broadcast reports.

According to reports, on Nov. 9 United Flight 949 was “imminent” with 124 passengers and 11 crew. United canceled the flight and rebooked the 124 passengers, Megan McCarthy, a United spokeswoman said. United also said it would conduct a full investigation. The airline also issued the following statement:

“Safety is our highest priority and the pilot has been removed from service while we are cooperating with authorities and conducting a full investigation… United’s alcohol policy is among the strictest in the industry and we have no tolerance for violation of this well-established policy.”

Preliminary indications are that a co-worker smelled alcohol on the pilot and called police. The officers discreetly removed Captain Washington from the sight of his 124 passengers and administered a breathalyzer test. The British Broadcasting Corp. reports the arrest occurred at 12:30 p.m. local time or 5:30 a.m. in Lakewood.