Married British Airways pilot snorted cocaine off topless woman’s chest before he tried to fly: ‘I’ve been a very naughty boy’
One of British Airways’ pilots, Mike Beaton, made the shocking decision to “just wing it” during a wild night in South Africa, which has left the airline reeling. Due to this scandalous behavior, drug use, and alcohol consumption, the airline had to cancel a flight to London, which cost them an incredible $120,000.
A Night of Excess
Mike Beaton, a single father who is married, took a night off in Johannesburg prior to his planned co-piloting shift on a London-bound flight. He decided to have a wild night of partying instead of sleeping. In texts to a friend who works as a flight attendant, he boasted about his exploits, saying, “I’ve been a very naughty boy,” according to The Sun.
The Shocking Revelations
Beaton’s night descended into hedonism as he delighted in drugs, alcohol, and the company of women. In a Johannesburg nightclub, he claimed to have met two local men, a “young Spanish bird,” and a Welsh woman on vacation. The group ended up at one of the local men’s apartments after several hours of heavy drinking.
Beaton related the strange sequence of events that led to the “girls” dancing without clothes as soon as cocaine entered the scene. He gleefully admitted, “I’ve lost my shirt somewhere, and one of the local lads produces a plate with a few lines of coke.” When they argued over who’s chest was best for a bump-off, things got even more heated.
The Aftermath
Beaton’s careless night had dire consequences. After being alerted to his concerning actions by a fellow crew member, the 12-hour flight to Heathrow Airport was canceled. Beaton was suspended and the next day was flown home as a passenger. He was fired after failing a drug test at the airport.
British Airways in Disbelief
A British Airways insider conveyed shock and disbelief over the occurrence. They highlighted First Officers’ extensive training and their accountability for passenger safety. Beaton’s choice to divulge specifics of his extramarital affairs to a flight attendant in between flights was denounced by the source as “extraordinarily dumb.”
The End of Beaton’s Career
Beaton’s system no longer contained alcohol when he was tested for drugs at Heathrow, but a Class A drug was discovered. His career in aviation was thus effectively ended. Beaton’s departure from British Airways has been confirmed by the airline.
Aviation Authority’s Response
The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority emphasized the gravity of these incidents and said that any UK pilot found to have abused drugs or alcohol would have their medical certification immediately suspended. The organization clarified that in the majority of situations, pilots who wanted to resume flying would have to go through a thorough rehabilitation program.
This horrific event serves as a harsh reminder of what happens when careless behavior occurs in the aviation sector, where passenger safety is of the utmost importance.
