The Quick Takeaway
- A Southwest flight collision warning forced a sudden, scary drop that injured crew members.
- Passengers were shaken but safe after a close call with a fighter jet.
- The FAA is now investigating alongside Southwest Airlines.
When a Southwest Flight Collision Warning Turned a Calm Flight Into Chaos
Last Friday, what started as a pretty normal flight from Burbank to Las Vegas quickly spiraled into something no one on board will forget.
Just a few minutes after takeoff, the plane suddenly dropped nearly 500 feet all because the pilot got a Southwest flight collision warning.
In other words, another plane was dangerously close.
Passengers reported that the aircraft lost moment. People were screaming, bags were flying everywhere, and some were also flowing from their seats.
Two flight attendants were hurt while trying to keep everyone safe and composed.
Honestly, those moments were pure panic.
FAA Steps In After Southwest Flight Collision Near Miss With Fighter Jet
Right after the scary drop, the FAA launched an investigation to get to the bottom of what happened.
Turns out, a privately owned fighter jet was flying way too close less than two miles away and just a few hundred feet above the Southwest flight.
If that sounds stressful, it gets worse. Passengers say the pilot told them they lost contact with air traffic control during the whole mess.
The pilot had to use the aircraft warning system and their own intuition to keep everyone safe instead of calling ground controllers to assist.
It acts as a terrible reminder that the flight can still be extremely stressful despite all our modern technology.
Passengers Speak Out About the Terrifying Southwest Flight Collision Scare
Comedian Jimmy Dore, who was on the flight, later posted on social media:
“The pilot said the collision warning went off and we had to dodge a plane coming right at us. A flight attendant needed medical help.”
Another passenger told reporters:
It was horrible. We really believed that the aircraft was going down for a brief moment.
Not because it was a specific landing, but because they were very happy to be alive, the travelers appreciated when the aircraft finally touched the vegas safely.
Southwest, FAA respond after flight collision scare
Southwest quickly thanked their crew for staying calm and handling the situation like pros.
They’re working with the FAA to understand exactly what went wrong.
Most importantly, Southwest wants everyone to know that safety comes first always.
Regretfully, this near-miss is not an isolated incident.
A few days ago, a delta flight had to avoid American military bombers.
With more aircraft in the sky, it really surprises you how much the system can handle.
