Passengers on Southwest Flight 1496 experienced terrifying moments as the plane rapidly dropped to avoid a near miss, resulting in injuries to two flight attendants. The FAA has launched an investigation into the incident.
Southwest Flight Experiences Near-Miss Incident, Injuring Crew
Southwest Flight Experiences Near-Miss Incident, Injuring Crew
A rapid descent on Southwest Flight 1496 prompts FAA investigation after near-collision with another aircraft.
On Friday, a Southwest Airlines flight departing from the Los Angeles area made headlines after it rapidly decreased in altitude shortly after takeoff. Flight 1496, which was headed from Hollywood Burbank Airport to Las Vegas, faced a serious situation involving a potential collision with another aircraft, leading to a drastic change in course by the pilot.
Witnesses onboard described the chaos as the plane descended sharply, lifting passengers from their seats and subsequently injuring two flight attendants. According to a statement from Southwest, the crew responded to two traffic alerts, which mandated quick climbing and descending actions to adhere to safety regulations.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has begun an investigation into the incident, which echoes a similar near-miss event that occurred only a week prior. The FAA emphasized that the safety of all individuals in the national airspace system is a top priority.
Notably, comedian Jimmy Dore, who was on the flight, shared the alarming experience, indicating that the pilot reported a collision warning and had to take evasive action. Fellow passenger Caitlin Burdi expressed her terror during the episode, recalling that many believed they were facing a potential crash.
Post-incident, the pilot informed passengers that they narrowly avoided colliding with another aircraft and stated they had temporarily lost contact with air traffic control. Reports indicate that a privately-owned Hawker Hunter fighter jet had flown within close proximity, just two miles ahead of the commercial flight shortly after takeoff.
Despite the harrowing experience, the flight continued to Las Vegas and landed without further issues. Southwest Airlines recognized the professionalism of its crew in managing the situation and announced their cooperation with the FAA for a thorough understanding of the circumstances surrounding the incident.
This occurrence follows closely behind another dramatic situation involving a Delta flight that had to make an aggressive maneuver to avert a collision with a U.S. military bomber, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding aviation safety in commercial air travel.
