In a startling incident on Friday, a Southwest Airlines flight plummeted shortly after taking off from Hollywood Burbank Airport en route to Las Vegas, causing injuries to two flight attendants and panic among passengers. Reports indicate that the flight, designated as Flight 1496, experienced a rapid drop in elevation when the pilot needed to change course quickly to avoid a potential collision with another aircraft.
Eyewitness accounts from passengers, including stand-up comedian Jimmy Dore, highlighted the alarming situation, as many described a scene of chaos within the cabin. Dore noted on social media that the pilot activated collision avoidance measures after receiving alerts of nearby traffic. “Pilot said his collision warning went off & he needed to avoid plane coming at us. Wow,” Dore commented, adding that medical assistance was required for one of the crew members.
Passengers' accounts paint a picture of fear and anxiety. Caitlin Burdi shared her experience, stating, “It was terrifying. We really thought we were plummeting to a plane crash,” and noted that the pilot announced over the speaker system that they had nearly collided with another plane, losing contact with air traffic control during the ordeal.
CNN reported that a private Hawker Hunter fighter jet nearly intersected the Southwest flight trajectory within minutes of takeoff, underlining the serious nature of the near-miss incident as the jet passed within a few hundred feet of altitude.
In an official statement, Southwest Airlines indicated that the flight landed safely in Las Vegas and confirmed their cooperation with the FAA as investigations proceed. The airline emphasized the professionalism of their crew during the incident, stating, "Nothing is more important to Southwest than the safety of our customers and employees."
This alarming event follows a recent similar occurrence involving a Delta Airlines flight that had to take evasive action to avoid a United States military bomber. The Federal Aviation Administration reiterated its commitment to ensuring safety remains the paramount priority for all parties involved in the national airspace system.
Eyewitness accounts from passengers, including stand-up comedian Jimmy Dore, highlighted the alarming situation, as many described a scene of chaos within the cabin. Dore noted on social media that the pilot activated collision avoidance measures after receiving alerts of nearby traffic. “Pilot said his collision warning went off & he needed to avoid plane coming at us. Wow,” Dore commented, adding that medical assistance was required for one of the crew members.
Passengers' accounts paint a picture of fear and anxiety. Caitlin Burdi shared her experience, stating, “It was terrifying. We really thought we were plummeting to a plane crash,” and noted that the pilot announced over the speaker system that they had nearly collided with another plane, losing contact with air traffic control during the ordeal.
CNN reported that a private Hawker Hunter fighter jet nearly intersected the Southwest flight trajectory within minutes of takeoff, underlining the serious nature of the near-miss incident as the jet passed within a few hundred feet of altitude.
In an official statement, Southwest Airlines indicated that the flight landed safely in Las Vegas and confirmed their cooperation with the FAA as investigations proceed. The airline emphasized the professionalism of their crew during the incident, stating, "Nothing is more important to Southwest than the safety of our customers and employees."
This alarming event follows a recent similar occurrence involving a Delta Airlines flight that had to take evasive action to avoid a United States military bomber. The Federal Aviation Administration reiterated its commitment to ensuring safety remains the paramount priority for all parties involved in the national airspace system.
