Passengers reveal shocking moments onboard as FAA investigates incident
Southwest Airlines Flight Encounters Near-Collision, Injuring Crew
Southwest Airlines Flight Encounters Near-Collision, Injuring Crew
Turbulence ensues after pilot's evasive action to avoid other aircraft
A Southwest Airlines flight experienced a perilous plunge shortly after takeoff from the Los Angeles area, resulting in injuries to two flight attendants. Flight 1496, traveling from Hollywood Burbank Airport to Las Vegas, encountered a situation where the pilot had to make sudden altitude changes to avert a probable crash with another aircraft. Passengers took to social media to share their harrowing experiences as the plane unexpectedly dropped, lifting them from their seats.
In an official statement, Southwest Airlines confirmed the occurrence of onboard traffic alerts that prompted the crew to rapidly ascend and descend. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently looking into the incident, which follows a similar near-miss event just a week prior. The FAA reiterated its commitment to safety within the national airspace system in light of this occurrence.
Notable passengers included comedian Jimmy Dore, who tweeted that the pilot reported a collision warning and mentioned that a flight attendant required medical help. Other travelers, like Caitlin Burdi, described a scene filled with panic, stating, "We really thought we were plummeting to a plane crash." The pilot allegedly informed passengers that they had nearly collided with another aircraft and temporarily lost air traffic control communication.
As reported by CNN, the flight came perilously close to a privately owned Hawker Hunter fighter jet, which crossed within feet of its altitude and just two miles ahead of it shortly after takeoff. Despite the alarming situation, the flight was able to continue safely to Las Vegas, where it landed without further incident. Southwest Airlines expressed gratitude for the "professionalism" demonstrated by their flight crew and staff while cooperating with the FAA to fully understand the circumstances surrounding this alarming event. This incident follows another recent occurrence when a Delta flight had to perform aggressive maneuvers to avoid a US military aircraft, raising ongoing concerns about aviation safety.
In an official statement, Southwest Airlines confirmed the occurrence of onboard traffic alerts that prompted the crew to rapidly ascend and descend. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently looking into the incident, which follows a similar near-miss event just a week prior. The FAA reiterated its commitment to safety within the national airspace system in light of this occurrence.
Notable passengers included comedian Jimmy Dore, who tweeted that the pilot reported a collision warning and mentioned that a flight attendant required medical help. Other travelers, like Caitlin Burdi, described a scene filled with panic, stating, "We really thought we were plummeting to a plane crash." The pilot allegedly informed passengers that they had nearly collided with another aircraft and temporarily lost air traffic control communication.
As reported by CNN, the flight came perilously close to a privately owned Hawker Hunter fighter jet, which crossed within feet of its altitude and just two miles ahead of it shortly after takeoff. Despite the alarming situation, the flight was able to continue safely to Las Vegas, where it landed without further incident. Southwest Airlines expressed gratitude for the "professionalism" demonstrated by their flight crew and staff while cooperating with the FAA to fully understand the circumstances surrounding this alarming event. This incident follows another recent occurrence when a Delta flight had to perform aggressive maneuvers to avoid a US military aircraft, raising ongoing concerns about aviation safety.
