Flight Attendant Admits to Drug Use During Flight

A British Airways flight attendant has admitted guilt for working while under the influence of methamphetamine on a flight from California to London, as reported by the Guardian.

Hayden Pentecost, 41, was found locked in the plane’s restroom for failing to help with a pre-flight safety check. A colleague discovered him in a vulnerable state, unaware of what he had been going through, according to testimony presented in the Uxbridge Magistrate’s court. The flight manager noticed Pentecost seemed “agitated, sweating, and squealing” prior to takeoff and subsequently removed him from his duties. He had complained of stomach pains and requested to change his clothes before retreating to the bathroom.

After a female co-worker found him, she helped him get dressed and moved him to an empty seat. The captain checked in with Pentecost before the crew decided to call in medical help.

Medical staff monitored Pentecost every 20 minutes during the remainder of the journey. They noted his pupils were dilated and his heart rate was elevated. Upon landing at Heathrow Airport, paramedics took him to the hospital where tests confirmed the presence of methamphetamine and amphetamine in his system. Following the incident, British Airways terminated Pentecost’s employment.

A resident of Basingstoke appeared in court and accepted responsibility for operating while impaired by drugs. He was granted bail while awaiting sentencing at Isleworth Crown Court.

British Airways has not yet commented on the situation involving the employee or their drug testing policies.