Key Takeaways:
- Southwest Flight 1496 narrowly avoided a midair collision over Burbank, diving rapidly in response to a collision alert.
- A Hawker Hunter fighter jet was identified as the other aircraft involved in the incident.
- The FAA has launched a formal investigation, and the event adds to growing concerns over aviation safety in 2025.
Rapid Descent Avoids Potential Disaster
Passengers on Southwest Airlines Flight 1496 experienced terrifying moments shortly after takeoff from Burbank, California, en route to Las Vegas. Within minutes, the aircraft was forced into a sudden and sharp maneuver—climbing and then rapidly descending—to avoid a potential midair collision with another aircraft.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the incident occurred around 11 a.m. local time on Friday, July 25. A Southwest spokesperson noted that the flight crew responded to an automated alert of another aircraft nearby, prompting evasive action.
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Passengers Describe Chaos Aboard
Passenger Steve Ulasewicz told NBC Los Angeles that the plane felt like it was in a “freefall” and that the cabin erupted in panic. “People were screaming. It was pandemonium,” he recalled. The plane quickly stabilized, and shortly afterward, the pilot informed passengers that collision-avoidance software had been triggered.
Comedian Jimmy Dore, another passenger, shared on social media that the pilot had to “dive aggressively” to evade another aircraft. He reported that several passengers hit the cabin ceiling and that a flight attendant required medical attention.
Fighter Jet Involved in Near Miss
NBC News reported that the aircraft Southwest 1496 narrowly avoided was a Hawker Hunter MK 58, a single-seat fighter jet. The FAA has not yet confirmed the jet’s flight origin or operator, but investigations are underway.
Southwest Airlines issued a statement emphasizing its commitment to safety and confirmed that the flight landed safely in Las Vegas. While no passenger injuries were officially reported, two flight attendants are receiving medical treatment.
FAA Launches Investigation Amid Broader Aviation Safety Concerns
This incident comes amid a string of aviation-related emergencies across the U.S. in 2025, including fatal crashes and runway collisions. The FAA is investigating the circumstances surrounding this latest close call, including whether the fighter jet had proper clearance in Los Angeles Air Route Traffic Control Center airspace.
Experts have emphasized the role of onboard Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS) in preventing disasters, highlighting the importance of training and rapid response by flight crews.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for U.S. Airspace Safety
This near-miss involving a commercial passenger jet and a fighter aircraft is a chilling reminder of how close modern air travel can come to catastrophe. While technology and trained crews averted tragedy this time, the FAA’s investigation will likely lead to questions about airspace management and enforcement.
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