Passengers on a Southwest Airlines flight experienced terrifying moments on Friday, July 25, 2025, when their aircraft suddenly plunged to avoid a midair collision—an event now making headlines as the “Southwest flight midair collision.” The incident left two flight attendants injured and spurred a federal investigation as new details emerge about what transpired shortly after takeoff from Hollywood Burbank Airport.
What Happened During the Incident?
Just minutes after departing Burbank on its way to Las Vegas, Southwest Flight 1496 was climbing through 14,100ft when its cockpit collision alert systems blared. A warning of possible conflict with another aircraft triggered the pilots to make an abrupt descent—dropping the 737 by 475ft in seconds. The crew’s quick reaction was vital as a privately owned Hawker Hunter jet, at 14,653ft, flew within just 4.9 miles of the airliner.
Eyewitness accounts from both media interviews and social media painted a harrowing scene:
- Passengers were lifted out of their seats, some hitting their heads on the ceiling due to the sudden drop.
- Cries and screams echoed through the cabin as people feared the worst.
- The pilot explained over the intercom that a collision alarm had forced the descent to “avoid a mid-air collision,” later confirming they had briefly lost contact with air traffic control.
- Two flight attendants were injured—one reportedly dazed after hitting her head, another so shaken that he announced he was quitting.
✦ KEY POINTS SUMMARY ✦
| 🚨 Incident Details | |
|---|---|
| 📅 Date | July 25, 2025 |
| ✈️ Flight | Southwest 1496 |
| 🛫 From/To | Burbank → Las Vegas |
| ⚠️ Action | 475ft emergency descent |
| ✋ Casualties | 2 attendants injured, no passengers |
| 🚦 Response | FAA & Southwest investigating |
Safety Systems and Federal Response
The event highlights the essential role of onboard Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS). Both aircraft—Southwest’s jet and the Hawker Hunter—were equipped with these systems, which instructed one plane to descend and the other to climb. The systems are designed for exactly these split-second decisions to protect passengers and crew.
Southwest Airlines and the FAA have confirmed an investigation is underway to clarify why the planes crossed paths and whether airspace procedures need improvement. In the meantime, Southwest emphasized that no passengers suffered physical injuries and thanked its crew for their quick, professional response.
Passenger Accounts and Industry Reaction
First-hand reports from the flight provide a vivid view of the ordeal:
- Some travelers said it felt like “the Tower of Terror” amusement drop as the 737 fell, describing 8–10 seconds of “free fall.”
- Stand-up comedian Jimmy Dore tweeted about the intensity, mentioning heads bumping the ceiling and attendants needing medical care.
Industry experts noted that while near-misses are rare, a recent spike in reports signals a need to scrutinize flight corridors and communication.
Despite the scare, pilots piloted the plane safely to Las Vegas. As authorities piece together what happened during the Southwest flight midair collision, many are relieved the incident ended without passenger casualties, even as the injured flight attendants recover.
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