Flight dropped nearly 500 feet after traffic alert triggered warning
A Southwest Airlines flight performed a sudden descent shortly after takeoff from California in response to an onboard alert warning pilots of another aircraft in the vicinity.
Incident took place minutes after departure from Burbank
Southwest Flight 1496 was en route to Las Vegas from Hollywood Burbank Airport when, just six minutes into the flight, it dropped from 14,100 feet to 13,600 feet. The descent was triggered by an alert warning of nearby air traffic, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
At the same time, a retired military aircraft—a Hawker Hunter Mk.58 jet—was flying through the same airspace en route to Point Mugu Naval Air Station in Ventura County, California.
No serious passenger injuries reported
Southwest Airlines reported that no passengers were seriously injured during the maneuver. However, one flight attendant received minor injuries and another was transported to a hospital after the aircraft landed in Las Vegas, where it completed its journey without further issues.
FAA launches investigation amid staffing concerns
The FAA has opened an investigation into the incident but has not released additional details at this time. The event adds to broader concerns about staffing levels in air traffic control centers. The agency emphasized that safety-related positions remain protected from workforce reductions and that it continues to expand hiring for key roles such as air traffic controllers, inspectors, and maintenance technicians.
