"We are re-accommodating our customers on other flights," American Airlines spokeswoman Laura Nedbal said in a statement. "Safety is our highest priority and we apologize to our customers for the disruption to their travel plans."

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The co-pilot, who was not identified, was also given a Breathalyzer by local police. The tests showed he was over the legal limit for operating an aircraft.

He was released when his alcohol level dropped.

Michael Conway, airport spokesman, told the Detroit Free Press incidents like these are "extremely unusual."

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Angie McBrayer, ex-wife of James Aaron McBrayer, leans her head on her son Sam McBrayer as she and her three children and two grandchildren (from left) Jackson McBrayer, 3, Piper Jae McBrayer, 7, Katy Isaza, and Jordan McBrayer, visit the grave of James McBrayer, Thursday, November 20, 2025, in Tifton. He died after being restrained by Tift County sheriff's deputies on April 24, 2019. His ex-wife witnessed the arrest and said she thought the deputies were being rough but did not imagine that McBrayer would die. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC