Southwest Flight Drops 300 Feet, Injuring Crew During FAA Investigation

A Southwest Airlines flight bound for Las Vegas experienced a terrifying incident shortly after takeoff from Hollywood Burbank Airport, when the plane suddenly dropped about 300 feet in 36 seconds due to a collision avoidance maneuver. Passengers described the dramatic plunge as the plane responded to an onboard alert warning of another aircraft nearby, which forced the pilot to climb and then descend urgently. The sudden jolt caused panic among passengers, with some thrown from their seats and two flight attendants injured. The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the incident, which involved a near miss with a Hawker Hunter Mk. 58 jet in the same airspace. Meanwhile, a group of eleven U.S. Senators, led by Mark Warner, Tim Kaine, and Ed Markey, have requested detailed information regarding cuts to the FAA under President Trump, highlighting concerns about aviation safety oversight. Passengers continue to express shock and fear from the event, emphasizing the urgency of ensuring flight safety in crowded airspace.