Aircraft of Southwest Airlines abruptly dived by 91 meters in just 36 seconds, a few minutes after taking off from Burbank Airport in Californiato avoid another plane, according to Sky News. Two crew members were injured and several passengers were literally thrown out of their seats.
The incident, which happened shortly after taking off from the airport in California, was confirmed by the Platform’s Flightaware platform. The pilot was warned for a nearby aircraft and immediately went on a steep downward trend to avoid a possible collision. Authorities are conducting an investigation.
“People were screaming, panic was prevalent”
Inside the cabin, the scene was chaotic. American comedian Jimmy Dor wrote on the X platform: “The pilot made a sharp dive to avoid aerial collision … I and many others were thrown out of our seats and hit the ceiling. A stewardess needed medical help. “
Just now on SW Flight #1496 Burbank to Las Vegas.
Pilot had to dive aggressively to avoid midair collision over Burbank airport.
Myself & Plenty of people flew out of their seats & bumped heads on ceiling, a flight attendant needed medical attention.
Pilot said his collision…
— Jimmy Dore (@jimmy_dore) July 25, 2025
Another passenger, Stef Zabrano, saw a woman without a belt launting from her seat and shouting: “I want to get off this plane. I want to be on the ground. “
Steve Ulasevic, who was also on the flight, told NBC Los Angeles: “You felt like you fall into the vacuum for ten seconds. People were screaming, there was chaos. Some believed that the plane would crash. “
The incident occurred as US worries on air safety stepped up, especially after a January collision in Washington, which claimed the lives of 67 people.