British Airways Pilot Dismissed After Drug-Fueled Night
A British Airways pilot’s career took a nosedive after a wild night of excess that eventually led to his suspension and firing.
A Night to Remember
Mike Beaton, a British Airways pilot, enjoyed a night off in Johannesburg last month. Instead of resting, he partied hard, consuming copious amounts of alcohol and indulging in cocaine, according to the New York Post.
Revelations and Text Messages
Married with a child, Beaton candidly shared his escapades with a fellow crew member via text messages. In his exchanges, he admitted to being a “very naughty boy” during his evening of debauchery.
Local Encounters
Beaton recounted how he met two local men, a Welsh woman, and a “young Spanish bird” at a Johannesburg nightclub. The group spent hours drinking and ended up at one of the men’s apartments.
Dancing Topless and Cocaine
According to Beaton, the women danced topless, and someone brought out cocaine, which he tried. A peculiar discussion arose about whose chest was best suited for a cocaine “bump.”
The Outcome
Beaton proudly shared, “That’s the story of how I ended up snorting coke off a girl’s t–s in Joburg.” He spent the night with the Welsh woman and flew the next day, experiencing a severe hangover.
Consequences and Costs
When his fellow crew member reported his behavior to the airline, British Airways had to delay the 12-hour flight to Heathrow Airport in London, incurring a reported cost of $120,000.
Astonished Airline
A British Airways source expressed shock at the pilot’s behavior, emphasizing that pilots are trained rigorously to ensure passenger safety.
End of the Line
Beaton was suspended while in Johannesburg and subsequently tested positive for cocaine. As a result, he was fired and will not fly again for the airline.
Safety Assurance
British Airways confirmed that the pilot no longer works for the company, underscoring that passenger safety remains their top priority and that the matter was referred to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).