MIAMI – An American Airlines flight heading to Miami from Brazil was delayed Sunday after allegations were made that a flight crew member was unfit for flight, according to officials with the airline.
The allegation was made against a relief pilot -- not the captain or first officer -- that the relief pilot may have smelled like alcohol, according to officials with the airline.
Due to the delay, other crew members could not continue to MIA due to crew rest requirements.
American Airlines sent the flight to San Juan, Puerto Rico where another flight crew was available to continue on to MIA.
"We apologize to our customers for the inconvenience and the delayed arrival into Miami," said a spokesperson for American Airlines.
The flight was carrying 178 passengers, 13 crew members and arrived in Miami around 2 p.m. Sunday.