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Southwest flight descends to avoid collision with aircraft

Southwest flight 1496 dropped 475 feet shortly after takeoff to avoid a Hawker Hunter.

July 25, 2025 at 09:39 PM
blur Southwest flight descends 475 feet to avoid 'midair collision' with Hawker Hunter

A Southwest Airlines flight descended sharply to avert a possible midair collision shortly after takeoff.

Southwest flight makes sharp descent to avoid collision with Hawker Hunter

A Southwest Airlines flight took a rapid descent of 475 feet to steer clear of a possible midair collision with a Hawker Hunter aircraft on Friday. The incident occurred just six minutes after Southwest flight 1496 departed from Hollywood Burbank Airport. According to flight tracking data, the plane dropped from 14,100 feet to 13,625 feet. A passenger reported that the pilot cited the maneuver was necessary to avoid a collision. Southwest Airlines confirmed that two flight attendants sustained injuries and that they are cooperating with the Federal Aviation Administration to investigate the situation further. The Hawker Hunter was flying at approximately 14,653 feet during the incident, indicating the proximity of both aircraft was managed through their collision avoidance systems. Despite the scare, the flight continued to Las Vegas and landed without any further issues.

Key Takeaways

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Southwest flight performed a rapid descent to avoid collision.
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Incident occurred shortly after takeoff from Burbank Airport.
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Two crew members sustained injuries during the descent.
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The aircraft was operating normally after the incident.
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Federal Aviation Administration is reviewing the situation.
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Safety technologies are crucial but not fail-proof.

"The pilot announced that they had performed the maneuver to avoid a midair collision."

This statement reflects the critical nature of the pilot's response to the potential danger.

"Two flight attendants are being treated for injuries after the incident."

This highlights the physical risks involved in abrupt flight maneuvers and the need for thorough safety protocols.

This incident underscores the ongoing concerns about airspace safety as air traffic increases. Aviation technology, including collision avoidance systems, is meant to prevent such occurrences, but incidents like this reveal the vulnerabilities in complex airspace management. The fact that two crew members were injured also raises alarms about the physical impact that sharp maneuvers can have. As airlines continue to ramp up flights, regulatory bodies and companies must prioritize safety measures and training for sudden emergencies.

Highlights

  • Air travel safety faces constant challenges as tensions rise in crowded skies.
  • Collision avoidance systems are essential yet not foolproof in modern aviation.
  • Even a slight miscalculation can lead to significant dangers in the air.
  • Investigations into midair incidents are crucial for improving flight safety.

Potential risks in aviation safety due to incident

The sharp descent of the Southwest flight raises concerns about airspace safety and the effectiveness of current collision avoidance technologies. Injuries to crew members during the incident emphasize physical risks to airline staff.

Ongoing investigations will reveal further details regarding air travel safety.

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