Shortly after take-off from Burbank, a routine Southwest flight turned into a harrowing experience when a sudden manoeuvre to avoid a potential mid-air collision jolted passengers from their seats.
Two flight attendants were injured as the plane dropped sharply, with the pilot later explaining they had lost contact with air traffic control.
Sudden Drop And Panic
Suddenly, Southwest Airlines Flight 1496 dropped in altitude.
The sharp descent jolted passengers from their seats, injured two flight attendants, and sparked panic throughout the cabin.
In that moment, many on board believed the aircraft was about to crash.
Near Miss With Fighter Jet
Soon after, the Federal Aviation Administration launched an investigation to uncover what had gone wrong.
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Early reports revealed that a privately owned Hawker Hunter fighter jet had crossed directly ahead of the commercial aircraft, flying within a few hundred feet of its altitude.
This near miss forced the pilot to take immediate evasive action.
FAA Investigation Underway
Eventually, the pilots landed the aircraft safely in Las Vegas, where passengers applauded their efforts.
Although the airline avoided further injury or damage, the incident raised serious concerns.
With another near miss involving a Delta flight just days earlier, the FAA now faces mounting pressure to strengthen air traffic safety.
