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| Southwest Flight Makes Emergency Descent to Avoid Midair Collision |
Southwest Airlines Flight Makes Sudden Descent to Avoid Midair Collision, Passengers Say
Passengers aboard a Southwest Airlines flight from Los Angeles County to Las Vegas experienced a terrifying moment on Friday afternoon, July 25, when their plane reportedly made a sudden and aggressive descent to avoid a potential midair collision.
According to flight tracking data from FlightAware, Southwest Flight 1496 departed from Hollywood Burbank Airport just before noon local time. What was expected to be a routine short-haul flight quickly turned into a nerve-wracking experience for those onboard.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that air traffic controllers had been alerted to the presence of another aircraft near the Los Angeles Air Route Traffic Control Center’s airspace. The FAA has since launched an investigation into the incident to determine what exactly happened and whether proper protocols were followed.
Southwest Airlines released a statement explaining that the flight crew responded to onboard traffic alert systems, which required them to perform both climbing and descending maneuvers to maintain safe separation from other aircraft. Despite the scare, the airline confirmed that the flight continued without further incident and landed safely in Las Vegas.
While no passengers were reported injured, Southwest noted that two flight attendants sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical attention. The nature of their injuries has not been disclosed, but the airline emphasized that passenger safety was maintained throughout the ordeal.
One of the passengers, comedian and podcast host Jimmy Dore, took to social media to share his experience. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Dore described the descent as “aggressive,” saying that the pilot had to take evasive action to avoid another aircraft that was approaching dangerously close.
“Pilot had to dive aggressively to avoid a midair collision over Burbank airport,” Dore wrote. “Pilot said his collision warning went off and he had to steer clear of an aircraft approaching us. Wow.”
Dore’s account was echoed by Stef Zamorano, producer of The Jimmy Dore Show podcast, who also posted on X. She described the atmosphere onboard as tense and emotional, noting that passengers erupted into applause upon landing in Las Vegas, clearly relieved to be safely on the ground.
The sudden maneuver reportedly caused several passengers to be jolted from their seats, with some hitting their heads on the cabin ceiling due to the unexpected drop. While seatbelt signs are typically illuminated during takeoff and landing, it’s unclear whether they were on at the time of the descent.
ABC News, citing data from FlightRadar24, reported that the Southwest aircraft dropped approximately 475 feet in altitude in a very short span of time—falling from 14,100 feet to 13,625 feet. This rapid descent was likely the result of the pilot responding to a Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) alert, which is designed to prevent aircraft from coming too close to one another.
The other aircraft involved in the incident was reportedly a Hawker Hunter, a type of military jet. According to ABC News, the Hawker Hunter was flying at an altitude of around 14,653 feet at the time of the near miss. The proximity of the two aircraft raised serious concerns about airspace coordination and the effectiveness of current safety measures.
While midair collisions are extremely rare thanks to modern radar systems and air traffic control protocols, incidents like this serve as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and quick decision-making in aviation. Pilots are trained to respond to TCAS alerts immediately, often without waiting for instructions from air traffic control, to ensure the safety of everyone onboard.
The FAA’s investigation will likely focus on several key questions: Why was the military jet flying so close to a commercial airliner? Was there a breakdown in communication between air traffic controllers and the pilots? And were all safety protocols followed correctly?
Southwest Airlines has not released further details about the incident but reiterated its commitment to passenger safety. The airline praised the flight crew for their swift and professional response, which ensured that the situation did not escalate further.
For passengers like Jimmy Dore and Stef Zamorano, the experience was a sobering reminder of the unpredictable nature of air travel. What began as a routine flight turned into a moment of real danger, handled with skill and composure by the crew.
As investigations continue, both the FAA and Southwest Airlines will be working to understand what went wrong and how similar incidents can be prevented in the future. In the meantime, passengers are left with a story they won’t soon forget—and a renewed appreciation for the people who keep them safe in the skies.
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