A Southwest Airlines jet heading to Las Vegas from Southern California experienced a dramatic plunge shortly after takeoff following an onboard alert about another aircraft. The incident resulted in injuries to two flight attendants and raised concerns among passengers and authorities.
Southwest flight 1496 encountered two air alerts during which the pilot had to climb and descend. The flight originated from Hollywood Burbank Airport just before noon.
Passengers reported on social media that the aircraft suddenly dropped soon after takeoff. Data from FlightAware indicated a rapid descent of approximately 300 feet (91.44 meters) in 36 seconds.
Comedian Jimmy Dore mentioned on social media that the pilot’s collision warning system was triggered, prompting evasive action to avoid an oncoming plane.
The incident involved the Southwest plane and a Hawker Hunter Mk. 58 in the same airspace near Burbank. The Hawker Hunter, a British fighter plane, is owned by Hawker Hunter Aviation Ltd, a British defense company.
Mike Christensen, the airport spokesman for Hollywood Burbank, stated that neither the control tower nor the operations department had recorded the reported plunge of the Southwest flight in their airspace.
Despite the scare, the Southwest flight continued to Las Vegas and landed safely. The airline is cooperating with the FAA to investigate the circumstances of the event.
This incident adds to concerns about aviation safety, following a midair collision over Washington, D.C., earlier this year that resulted in tragic consequences.
