A Southwest Airlines flight from Hollywood Burbank Airport to Las Vegas was forced to make a rapid descent today to avoid a potential midair collision, injuring two flight attendants and alarming passengers.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Southwest Flight 1496 had just taken off when its onboard traffic collision avoidance system alerted the crew to another aircraft flying at a nearby altitude. In response, the pilots executed an abrupt change in altitude to avoid a possible collision, news agencies reported.
Passengers described the experience as “terrifying,” with some reportedly thrown from their seats during the sudden maneuver. Despite the turbulence, the flight landed safely in Las Vegas.
Southwest Airlines confirmed that two flight attendants sustained injuries during the incident. The airline said it is fully cooperating with the FAA’s ongoing investigation to determine what led to the close call.
The other aircraft involved was identified as a Hawker Hunter, a military jet often used in airshows and private aviation. Details on its flight path and authorization were not immediately available.
No passengers were seriously injured, but the incident raised concerns over air traffic coordination in the busy airspace near Los Angeles.
