A British Airways flight attendant was discovered naked and high on methamphetamine in an airplane bathroom during a transatlantic flight from California to London, a court has heard.
The shocking incident involved 41-year-old cabin crew member Haden Pentecost, who was supposed to be attending to passengers on the long-haul flight to Heathrow Airport. Instead, he reportedly consumed drugs before the journey and was visibly impaired while on duty.
Erratic Behavior Before Takeoff
According to reports presented to Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court, Pentecost appeared disoriented even before the plane departed California. Colleagues observed that he was sweating heavily, “babbling,” and unable to carry out basic safety duties, including pre-flight checks. His manager ultimately removed him from duty after realizing he was in no condition to serve passengers.
Pentecost claimed he was suffering from cramps and requested time in the lavatory to change clothes. However, once inside, he locked himself in and remained there for an extended period, raising concerns among crew members.
Found Naked and Incoherent
When another flight attendant finally entered the bathroom, they discovered Pentecost completely naked, incoherent, and in a highly agitated state. Witnesses described his pupils as dilated and his heart rate elevated, both signs of heavy stimulant use.
The crew member was forced to assist him in getting dressed before he was escorted to an empty passenger seat for the remainder of the journey. Colleagues checked on him every 20 minutes as the plane continued toward London.
Medical Emergency at Heathrow
Upon landing at Heathrow, Pentecost was taken directly to a nearby hospital for evaluation. Toxicology reports later confirmed that both methamphetamine and amphetamines were in his system during the flight.
While no passengers were directly harmed during the incident, the revelation that an intoxicated crew member had been scheduled to oversee passenger safety sparked outrage. Aviation safety experts stress that flight attendants play a crucial role not only in customer service but in emergency response, making the situation especially alarming.
Court Hearing
During the hearing, the court was told that Pentecost’s behavior constituted a breach of trust and posed a potential safety risk to the flight. British Airways has since confirmed that Pentecost was suspended from duty and is no longer employed by the airline.
The airline issued a statement emphasizing that “the safety and wellbeing of passengers is our highest priority” and that the company has “zero tolerance for substance abuse among its staff.”
Broader Implications
The case has highlighted concerns about substance abuse in the aviation industry. Experts note that while incidents of crew intoxication are rare, they can have serious implications when they occur mid-flight. Aviation authorities are expected to review procedures to ensure stricter checks on crew fitness before departure.
For British Airways, the scandal has raised uncomfortable questions about how a crew member under the influence of illegal drugs was able to report for duty. Passenger advocacy groups are now calling for more rigorous pre-flight screening of staff to prevent similar incidents.
As for Pentecost, he awaits further legal proceedings. If convicted of drug-related charges or aviation safety breaches, he could face significant penalties, including prison time.
