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Philly-Bound Flight Cancelled After Co-Pilot Suspected Of Being Drunk

ROMULUS, Mich. (CBS/AP) — Federal authorities say an American Airlines flight from Detroit to Philadelphia was cancelled and a co-pilot was detained at Detroit Metropolitan Airport after he was suspected of being drunk.

The Federal Aviation Administration said the co-pilot was held from flight 736 from Detroit to Philadelphia on Saturday morning. He's suspected of having a blood-alcohol level above the legal limit.

The pilot was detained after arriving at the suburban Detroit airport. Airport spokesman Michael Conway says the pilot has been released as authorities determine whether charges will be filed.

Conway says the pilot is in his early 50's and from Pennsylvania. Officials wouldn't release more information.

American Airlines spokeswoman Laura Nedbal said in a statement the flight was cancelled and customers are taking other flights.

"This is a serious matter and we are assisting local law enforcement and the Federal Aviation Administration with the investigation," she said. "We will handle this matter appropriately as the safety and care of our customers and employees is our highest priority.

Airline officials declined to discuss the co-pilot.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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