Southwest Airlines Flight Makes Sharp Descent to Avoid Midair Collision, Two Injured

Two flight attendants were injured Friday when a Southwest Airlines (NYSE:LUV) flight departing from Burbank, California, made a sharp evasive maneuver to avoid another aircraft, according to the airline and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Southwest Flight 1496, a Boeing (NYSE:BA) 737 bound for Las Vegas, descended nearly 500 feet during takeoff after pilots received onboard traffic collision alerts. The jet later continued to Las Vegas and landed safely without passenger injuries.

Passengers described panic during the sudden drop. One traveler, Caitlin Burdi, told Fox News Digital that many onboard feared the plane was “plummeting to a crash.” Southwest confirmed the crew responded to two traffic alerts, requiring both a climb and a descent to avoid potential danger.

The FAA has launched an investigation into the incident, which follows a similar near-miss last week. In that case, a SkyWest Airlines (NASDAQ:SKYW) regional jet operating as a Delta Connection flight reportedly took evasive action to avoid a U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber during its approach to Minot, North Dakota. The bomber had been performing a flyover at the North Dakota State Fair.

The Air Force confirmed the B-52’s involvement and said military investigators are also reviewing the incident. Both episodes underscore heightened scrutiny of U.S. airspace safety following multiple close calls in recent months.

While rare, near-miss incidents highlight the critical role of onboard traffic alert systems and FAA oversight in preventing midair collisions. The FAA’s findings will likely focus on coordination between civilian and military aircraft operating in shared airspace.

Southwest said the injured crew members are receiving medical treatment and declined further comment pending the investigation.