Southwest flight plummets, injuring flight attendants

Near Miss! Southwest Flight's Harrowing Descent: A Jet's-Eye View of Chaos

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**Imagine this:** You're soaring above Los Angeles, enjoying your Southwest flight to Vegas, when suddenly… *whoosh!* Your stomach lurches. The plane dives. Screams erupt. This wasn't part of the itinerary. This is the terrifying reality passengers on Southwest Flight 1496 experienced.

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A Sudden, Unexpected Plunge

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Southwest Airlines Flight 1496, departing Hollywood Burbank Airport on Friday, wasn't your typical smooth takeoff. Minutes into the flight, a near-catastrophic event unfolded. The plane experienced a rapid, unexpected descent, throwing passengers from their seats. Two flight attendants sustained injuries in the sudden drop. Social media exploded with accounts of sheer terror—a chilling reminder of how close this flight came to disaster. Want to know what happened? Read on.

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A Near-Collision with a Private Jet?

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Stand-up comedian Jimmy Dore, a passenger on the flight, recounted the pilot's urgent announcement: a collision warning had activated, forcing an immediate and drastic maneuver to avoid another aircraft. This wasn't just a bump; this was a near-miss of potentially epic proportions. His tweet sparked a frenzy, confirming the passengers' terrifying experience. Fellow passenger Caitlin Burdi described the terrifying plunge as "screaming, terrifying," believing they were headed for a crash.

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But which plane? Flight data suggests a near-intercept with a privately owned Hawker Hunter fighter jet—less than two miles away and a few hundred feet off altitude just six minutes after takeoff! This incredibly close call highlights a serious safety concern. The FAA, investigating this incident, confirms the gravity of the situation.

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Air Traffic Control Issues and a Miraculous Landing Adding to the drama, the pilot reportedly mentioned losing contact with air traffic control during the critical moment—another layer to this already tense situation. Despite the chaos and near-disaster, the pilot skillfully landed the plane in Las Vegas, met with a round of applause from relieved passengers. The FAA emphasizes its commitment to ensuring the safety of our national airspace, and the Southwest statement pledges their commitment to working with the FAA to understand exactly what happened. A Pattern of Near-Misses? This incident follows a similar near-miss involving a Delta flight just days prior, raising serious questions about air traffic control and safety protocols. Are these isolated incidents, or is there a larger problem brewing? The answers could impact future air travel safety. **This terrifying tale serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers in the skies. Discover the full story, the investigation's findings, and learn what steps are being taken to prevent future near-misses. Stay tuned for updates.**