Southwest Flight Burbank Collision: A Terrifying Mid-Air Incident
The Incident
About six minutes after Southwest flight 1496 took off from Hollywood Burbank Airport, it abruptly descended from 14,100 feet to 13,625 feet. Passengers were rattled as the aircraft plummeted rapidly, lifting them out of their seats.
Injuries and Impact
Two crew members were injured during this incident. A passenger on the flight described it as a "dive aggressively," emphasizing the sudden nature of the descent. The rapid change in altitude could have caused significant distress among passengers.
The Mid-Air Collision Avoidance
According to flight tracking data, the plane descended 475 feet in a matter of minutes to avoid colliding with another aircraft. This swift action saved lives and prevented what could have been a catastrophic accident.
Passenger Accounts
A passenger recounted the terrifying moments, highlighting the lack of warning before the descent. The incident left many passengers shaken but relieved that no one was seriously hurt.
Why This Incident Is Important
This event underscores the importance of aviation safety protocols and emergency procedures in place to protect both passengers and crew. It also highlights the quick thinking of the flight crew in avoiding a potentially life-threatening situation.