A Southwest Airlines flight en route to Las Vegas encountered a shocking situation soon after takeoff, plummeting in elevation and injuring two flight attendants. Passengers reported that the pilot initiated an emergency maneuver to avoid a potential collision with another aircraft, prompting a rapid change in altitude that sent passengers out of their seats.
Near Miss: Southwest Flight Makes Emergency Maneuver, Injuring Crew
Near Miss: Southwest Flight Makes Emergency Maneuver, Injuring Crew
A Southwest Airlines flight faced a serious incident shortly after takeoff from Hollywood Burbank Airport, leading to injuries and a Federal Aviation Administration investigation.
The flight, numbered 1496, departed from Los Angeles area airports on a Friday and quickly faced serious jeopardy. The flight crew reacted to numerous onboard traffic alerts, requiring them to both climb and descend to avoid the incoming threat, according to a statement from Southwest Airlines.
Passengers on board, including stand-up comedian Jimmy Dore, took to social media to recount the alarming incident. Dore noted that the collision warning prompted the pilot to execute an emergency maneuver to prevent a collision. Witnesses recounted the chaotic moments, with one passenger, Caitlin Burdi, describing the ordeal as "terrifying," with screams echoing through the cabin as the plane plunged.
Burdi shared that after the flight stabilized, the pilot informed everyone of the seriousness of the situation, explaining that they had lost contact with air traffic control. The FAA later confirmed that the aircraft was nearly intercepted by a privately owned Hawker Hunter fighter jet shortly after takeoff, coming within a few hundred feet of its altitude.
In the wake of the incident, the Southwest Airlines statement expressed its commitment to passenger safety, praising the crew's handling of such a tense situation. They stated their ongoing cooperation with the FAA as investigations continued, reminding everyone of their priority to maintain the safety of their customers and crews.
This incident follows closely on the heels of a similar near-miss involving a Delta Airlines regional flight, emphasizing the need for stringent safety protocols in air travel and increased awareness to prevent future incidents.
Passengers on board, including stand-up comedian Jimmy Dore, took to social media to recount the alarming incident. Dore noted that the collision warning prompted the pilot to execute an emergency maneuver to prevent a collision. Witnesses recounted the chaotic moments, with one passenger, Caitlin Burdi, describing the ordeal as "terrifying," with screams echoing through the cabin as the plane plunged.
Burdi shared that after the flight stabilized, the pilot informed everyone of the seriousness of the situation, explaining that they had lost contact with air traffic control. The FAA later confirmed that the aircraft was nearly intercepted by a privately owned Hawker Hunter fighter jet shortly after takeoff, coming within a few hundred feet of its altitude.
In the wake of the incident, the Southwest Airlines statement expressed its commitment to passenger safety, praising the crew's handling of such a tense situation. They stated their ongoing cooperation with the FAA as investigations continued, reminding everyone of their priority to maintain the safety of their customers and crews.
This incident follows closely on the heels of a similar near-miss involving a Delta Airlines regional flight, emphasizing the need for stringent safety protocols in air travel and increased awareness to prevent future incidents.
