Southwest Airlines Midair Collision Scare Sends Passengers Flying Out of Seats

Passengers aboard Southwest Airlines Flight 1496 from Burbank, California, to Las Vegas, Nevada, endured sheer terror when the plane suddenly nosedived to avoid a midair collision. The dramatic maneuver caused people to be thrown from their seats, with some hitting the ceiling as screams filled the cabin.

According to reports, the aircraft dropped 20 to 30 feet in seconds, mimicking a “Tower of Terror” freefall. Two flight attendants were injured, and one even announced they were quitting after the harrowing incident.

“We Thought We Were Going to Crash”: Passenger Recalls Horror

Caitlin Burdi, a passenger on the flight, told Fox News Digital that she initially thought the turbulence was normal—until the second, more violent drop occurred.

“Within two seconds, it felt like the ride Tower of Terror, where we fell 20 to 30 feet in the air,” Burdi said. “The screaming—it was terrifying. We really thought we were plummeting to a plane crash.”

After the incident, the pilot informed passengers that the aircraft had nearly collided with another plane and that they had lost contact with air traffic control, forcing an emergency descent.

Southwest Airlines and FAA Investigating Near-Miss Incident

Southwest Airlines confirmed that the crew responded to two onboard traffic alerts shortly after takeoff, requiring them to climb and descend abruptly. The flight continued to Las Vegas and landed safely, but the airline is now working with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to investigate.

“Nothing is more important to Southwest than the Safety of our Customers and Employees,” the airline stated.

The FAA noted that another aircraft was in the vicinity at the time, raising concerns about air traffic control coordination.

Flight Attendants Injured, One Quits Mid-Flight

Passengers reported that one flight attendant hit her head and appeared dazed, while another announced they were quitting following the terrifying ordeal.

Despite the chaos, the crew’s professionalism was praised, with Southwest acknowledging their quick response.

Southwest Airlines Narrowly Avoids Midair Collision: Passengers Describe Terrifying 20-30 Foot Nosedive

“We Thought We Were Going to Die”: Southwest Flight 1496’s Near-Crash Horror

Passengers aboard Southwest Airlines Flight 1496 experienced pure terror when the Boeing 737 suddenly plummeted 20-30 feet to avoid a midair collision shortly after takeoff from Burbank, California. The violent descent sent unbelted passengers flying into the ceiling, left two flight attendants injured, and prompted one crew member to quit on the spot.

Could This Have Been a Deadly Midair Collision?

This incident raises serious questions about air traffic control protocols and midair collision risks. Had the pilots not reacted swiftly, the outcome could have been catastrophic.

Similar incidents, like the recent American Airlines turbulence emergency, highlight growing concerns over air travel safety.

What’s Next for Southwest Airlines?

As the FAA investigates, passengers are left shaken, with some likely reconsidering future flights. Southwest has assured customers that safety remains their top priority, but this event underscores the need for better communication between pilots and air traffic control.

For now, those onboard Flight 1496 are just grateful to have landed safely—but the memory of those terrifying seconds will lingered.