Southwest Airlines Flight Experiences Near Miss After Takeoff

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Southwest Airlines Flight 1496 experiences an emergency descent.

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.