Flight Incident Over California

A Southwest Airlines flight experienced a sudden dive in California on Friday to avoid a potential mid-air collision shortly after taking off.

Flight 1496 had just left Hollywood Burbank Airport heading toward Las Vegas when this event unfolded. Flight data indicated that the plane plummeted from an altitude of 14,100 feet to 13,625 feet, as reported by various sources.

Southwest Airlines acknowledged the incident but didn’t provide specific details. They mentioned that the crew received two traffic alerts during their ascent from Burbank, which required an immediate climb in response to the alerts.

The airline is cooperating with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to investigate further. While there were no immediate reports of injuries among passengers, two flight attendants required medical attention.

Comedian and commentator Jimmy Door, who was a passenger on the flight, shared his experience, noting that many travelers, including himself, were jolted from their seats during the abrupt maneuver.

The FAA has launched an investigation into the incident, as noted by local news outlets.