A Southwest Airlines pilot has been arrested after security staff found a loaded gun in his hand luggage.

The man was arrested in New York on Monday (April 17), where he was supposed to pilot a flight to Chicago, according to Fox News.

Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple said the handgun was found during a routine screening of pilot Erik Gibson, who told officials that he had forgotten that he had the gun with him.

On Sunday (April 16) Gibson had flown from New Orleans to Albany, however he was not screened.

The pilot has been charged with misdemeanor weapon possession, but has been released on bail.

This is the second gun that has been found by Albany baggage screeners in four weeks.

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