Officials Say FA Was Drunk On The Job

A flight attendant who allegedly drank alcohol on the job -- and later told a captain "you're dead" as she was dragged from a plane Sunday at Kentucky's Blue Grass Airport (KLEX) -- appeared in court Monday.

Public safety officers at LEX said Sarah Mills, 26, smelled heavily of alcohol and admitted drinking whiskey onboard the Atlantic Southeast Airlines flight when questioned Sunday afternoon. As she was removed from the plane, Mills allegedly made her threat against the captain of the regional jet, for as yet unreported reasons.

Mills was detained at Fayette County Detention Center on a $350 bond, on charges of terroristic threatening and public intoxication. During her appearance Monday, she pleaded not guilty to the charges. Court records show a breath test found Mills' blood-alcohol level was .032 -- lower than the legal limit.

In addition to criminal charges, Mills also faces a possible come-uppance from the FAA, according to agency spokesperson Kathleen Bergen.

"We're investigating to determine what the circumstances were and whether any of the federal aviation regulations were violated," she said.

A spokesperson for ASA -- which was operating the Delta Connection flight -- admitted the situation was unusual.

"We haven't encountered this particular situation before," said Kate Modolo. "Fortunately, we have more than 900 flight attendants who perform their duties at an extremely high level every day with the safety and best interest of passengers at the top of their mind."

Unfortunately, despite that sizeable number, a replacement FA was unavailable to cover for Mills... so the flight was cancelled. Passengers were given the option of rebooking on other flights, Modolo said.

FMI: www.flyasa.com/