On Friday, a Southwest Airlines flight encountered a serious scare shortly after taking off from Hollywood Burbank Airport in Los Angeles. Flight 1496, heading towards Las Vegas, suddenly plummeted in altitude, causing panic among passengers and injuries to two flight attendants. The pilot had to make swift maneuvers to avoid colliding with another plane, prompting the crew to respond to traffic alerts.
Passengers shared their alarming experiences online, with comedian Jimmy Dore on board describing the scene as terrifying. "The pilot said his collision warning went off & he needed to avoid a plane coming at us," he tweeted. The chaos was palpable, with screams filling the cabin as the craft fell rapidly, leaving everyone on edge.
After the frightening drop, which had the aircraft nearly intercepted by a private fighter jet, the pilot reassured passengers, explaining that they had lost contact with air traffic control. While the flight ultimately landed safely in Las Vegas, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has stepped in to investigate the incident.
This event comes shortly after another recent close call involving a Delta flight, further highlighting the importance of air travel safety. "Nothing is more important to Southwest than the Safety of our Customers and Employees," the airline emphasized in its statement, appreciating their crew's professionalism during the ordeal.
