Updated 01/04/2013 07:47 PM
Officials: Pilot For LGA-Bound Flight Failed Breathalyzer
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The pilot of a LaGuardia-bound American Eagle flight was arrested Friday after failing a blood-alcohol test before takeoff in Minnesota.
A spokesman for Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport said witnesses told airport police that Kolbjorn Jarle Kristiansen, 48, smelled of alcohol.
Police came aboard as the pilot was doing preflight checks Friday morning before passengers boarded.
They gave the pilot a Breathalyzer test, which he failed.
In a statement, American Airlines says the pilot has been suspended and it is cooperating with authorities, adding "American Eagle has a well-established substance abuse policy that is designed to put the safety of our customers and employees first."