Several screeners reported smelling alcohol on the pilots' breath and asked a ground security coordinator to speak with them at the gate. When she noted that there were concerns Cloyd and Hughes were drunk, Cloyd blamed it on bad breath. However, the supervisor had already called the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), who then alerted the police.
Several security personnel reported detecting signs of intoxication on the pilots' breath and requested a ground security official to speak with them at the airport gate. When this individual became aware that Cloyd and Hughes were suspected to be drunk, Cloyd blamed it on poor oral health. However, the supervisor had already contacted the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), who then alerted the law enforcement.