In a startling incident over Burbank, California, two flight attendants were injured on a Southwest Airlines flight due to sudden altitude changes to avoid a collision.
According to The Hill, the event unfolded as the plane, bound for Las Vegas, made abrupt maneuvers to steer clear of a privately owned Hawker Hunter fighter jet, leading to an ongoing investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The incident occurred during takeoff from Burbank, where the Southwest Airlines flight was beginning its journey to Las Vegas. As the commercial jet ascended, it encountered a potential collision risk with a privately owned Hawker Hunter fighter jet. To prevent a disaster, the pilots executed rapid altitude adjustments that caused significant turbulence inside the cabin.
According to data reported by CNN, the Southwest plane dropped a dramatic 475 feet in a matter of moments. Following this sudden descent, the jet then climbed approximately 600 feet within about a minute. These extreme changes in altitude likely contributed to the injuries sustained by the two flight attendants on board.
While the exact nature and severity of the flight attendants' injuries have not been disclosed, the incident highlights the risks faced by cabin crew during unexpected maneuvers. Such rapid shifts in altitude can catch crew members off guard, especially if they are not seated or secured at the time. The safety of airline staff and passengers remains a top priority in the aftermath of this event.
The FAA has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the near-collision over Burbank. Authorities are working closely with Southwest Airlines to determine how the privately owned fighter jet came so close to the commercial flight path. This probe aims to uncover whether proper protocols were followed and if additional safety measures are needed.
Southwest Airlines has issued a statement acknowledging the incident and its cooperation with the FAA. "Southwest is engaged with the Federal Aviation Administration to further understand the circumstances," the airline said in a statement to NewsNation. "Nothing is more important to Southwest than the Safety of our Customers and Employees," the statement continued.
Most commercial airplanes, including those operated by Southwest, are equipped with advanced alert systems designed to prevent midair collisions. These systems can instruct pilots to make immediate climbs or descents to avoid other aircraft in their vicinity. Such technology likely played a role in guiding the pilots during this incident over Burbank.
This incident is not an isolated event, as U.S. airspace has seen other near-misses in recent times. Less than a week before the Burbank scare, a SkyWest Airlines plane had to perform what a pilot described as an "aggressive maneuver" during landing in North Dakota. That maneuver was necessary to avoid a B-52 bomber, underscoring ongoing challenges in managing shared airspace.
Earlier this year, a devastating collision between an American Airlines flight and an Army helicopter during a training exercise over the Potomac River claimed 67 lives. That tragic event in January prompted swift action from the FAA to address safety concerns in high-traffic areas. The agency subsequently adjusted helicopter routes around Washington Reagan National Airport, an area known for its complex and restricted airspace.
The Burbank incident adds to the growing list of events prompting scrutiny of air traffic management and safety protocols. With multiple close calls and a tragic collision in recent memory, the FAA faces pressure to ensure such incidents are minimized. The investigation into the Southwest flight will likely inform future policies to protect both commercial and private aircraft.
For passengers and airline employees, incidents like the one in Burbank serve as a reminder of the inherent risks of air travel. While modern technology and strict regulations have made flying safer than ever, unexpected encounters can still pose significant dangers. The outcome of the FAA's investigation may lead to renewed discussions on how to better coordinate between commercial and private aviation.
As the investigation continues, both Southwest Airlines and the FAA are expected to review the details of this near-collision thoroughly. The goal will be to identify any lapses in communication or protocol that allowed the fighter jet to approach the commercial flight path. Lessons learned from this event could shape training programs for pilots and air traffic controllers alike.
The aviation community and the public are eager for updates on the FAA’s findings regarding the Burbank incident. Ensuring the safety of everyone in the skies remains a shared responsibility among airlines, regulators, and private aircraft operators. As more information becomes available, it will be critical to address any gaps in current safety measures to prevent future close calls.