A former British Airways flight attendant was found in a compromising situation during a flight from California to London. Haden Pentecost, 41, pleaded guilty to performing aviation duties while impaired by drugs. The incident occurred when he was discovered naked and under the influence in an onboard toilet. Reports indicate that he had methamphetamine and amphetamines in his system, exhibiting signs of impairment: “agitated, sweating and babbling,” as noted by the Guardian.
Before the flight took off, Pentecost neglected his responsibilities during pre-flight safety checks, prompting his supervisor to take action. This led to him being sidelined from his duties. Describing the circumstances, Pentecost stated he was suffering from stomach cramps and needed to change his clothes, leading him to lock himself in the aircraft’s toilet. When he was later found by a female colleague, he was entirely unaware that he was naked.
After being draped in a colleague’s clothes, Pentecost was placed in an empty seat for the duration of the flight. His condition raised several alarms: he had a high heart rate, dilated pupils, and required ongoing medical checks. Upon landing at Heathrow Airport, he was taken to the hospital for further evaluation.
Following the incident and his guilty plea, Pentecost faced immediate consequences. He has been dismissed from his position at British Airways and is currently out on bail, awaiting sentencing. His life outside of work appears tumultuous as well; he reportedly resides in Basingstoke with his so-called husband.
Notably, Pentecost had previously appeared in a British Airways safety video alongside 40 other airline personnel. In the video, he was dressed as a nobleman, complete with makeup and a black wig, as part of a creative attempt to engage passengers during briefings. The details surrounding the incident’s timing were not disclosed during court proceedings.
As news outlets reached out, British Airways did not provide an official comment regarding the incident or Pentecost’s dismissal. The overall outcome of this situation raises questions about the implications of drug impairment in positions of responsibility, especially in the aviation sector.
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