News Summary
A Southwest Airlines flight from Burbank to Las Vegas faced a near collision just after takeoff, leading to an emergency descent. Passengers described the descent as terrifying, with some being thrown from their seats. Two flight attendants were injured during the incident. The FAA is investigating the close call, highlighting the importance of aviation safety protocols. Despite the chaos, the flight landed safely with medical support waiting for those onboard.
Burbank, California — A Southwest Airlines flight experienced a harrowing near miss shortly after takeoff on Friday. Flight 1496, which was traveling from Burbank, California, to Las Vegas, Nevada, was forced to make an emergency descent to avoid colliding with a nearby aircraft. The incident occurred at approximately 11 a.m. local time, creating a chaotic scene onboard the flight.
The aircraft reportedly dropped between 300 to 475 feet within seconds, prompting panic among the passengers. Stef Zamorano, one of the travelers on the flight, described the descent as a terrifying experience, likening the sudden drop to the amusement park ride “Tower of Terror.” Many passengers were caught unbuckled, leading to some being thrown from their seats during the abrupt maneuver.
Reportedly, two flight attendants suffered injuries during the emergency descent, with one hitting her head and another requiring medical attention upon landing. The flight crew acted swiftly in response to a warning from the Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS), which prompted the need for an immediate ascent and descent due to the presence of the nearby aircraft, identified as a Hawker Hunter MK 58.
Incident Aftermath
Following the emergency maneuver, Southwest Airlines Flight 1496 continued its journey and successfully landed at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas without further incident. Medical personnel were standing by upon arrival to assist passengers, which included treating one injured traveler who was subsequently transported to a hospital for further evaluation.
Investigation and Continuing Developments
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently investigating the incident to ascertain the details surrounding the near miss. Southwest Airlines has confirmed that they are cooperating with authorities to provide all necessary information concerning the situation.
Passenger Reactions
Passengers on board took to social media to recount their experiences, expressing both shock and astonishment at the potential disaster they narrowly avoided. The quick response by the flight crew and the functioning of safety systems have been highlighted as critical factors in ensuring the safety of all individuals on the aircraft.
Background Information
This incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks involved in air travel. While the majority of flights operate seamlessly, aviation safety protocols such as the TCAS are in place to detect potential collisions and help prevent accidents. The investigation by the FAA will likely focus on both the actions of the flight crew and the circumstances involving the nearby aircraft to evaluate how such a close call occurred.
As further details emerge, both passengers and aviation enthusiasts are awaiting updates regarding the outcome of the FAA’s investigation and any recommendations that may result from it.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 5 Vegas
- Wikipedia: Southwest Airlines
- NBC News
- Google Search: Southwest Airlines near miss
- KTNV
- Google Scholar: aviation safety protocols
- Washington Post
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Air Transportation
- Fox Los Angeles
- Google News: Southwest Airlines crash avoidance
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LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
