Southwest Flight Near Miss with Fighter Jet Injures Two Crew

On July 25, Southwest Airlines Flight 1496, a Boeing 737 traveling from Hollywood Burbank Airport to Las Vegas, made a sudden and sharp descent of approximately 300 to 500 feet shortly after takeoff to avoid a near midair collision with a privately owned Hawker Hunter fighter jet. The evasive maneuver was prompted by onboard traffic alerts warning the pilot of dangerously close aircraft, leading to a rapid drop that caused panic among passengers and injuries to two flight attendants. Despite the alarming incident, the flight continued safely to Las Vegas and landed without further issues. The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating the event, with Southwest Airlines cooperating to understand the circumstances. This incident adds to growing concerns about aviation safety following a deadly midair collision earlier in the year, highlighting challenges in managing shared airspace between commercial flights and private or military aircraft. Passengers described the experience as terrifying, with some noting the pilot’s quick action likely prevented a disaster.