A Southwest Airlines flight from Honolulu to Kauai had a frightening experience when it came within 400 feet of the Pacific Ocean due to bad weather conditions. The pilots had to make a rapid change in course to avoid disaster, leaving passengers terrified as the aircraft dropped from 16,000 feet to just 409 feet.
According to a memo obtained by Bloomberg News, the incident occurred during an aborted landing attempt caused by poor visibility due to the weather. The captain decided to let a less experienced first officer take control of the plane, who inadvertently made a wrong move by pushing the control column forward and reducing speed, causing the aircraft to descend rapidly. This triggered a warning system alerting the crew that the plane was dangerously close to the terrain.
The captain then instructed the first officer to increase thrust, leading the plane to climb aggressively at a rate of 8,500 feet per minute. The flight, which should have been a short 22-minute trip, had to turn back to Honolulu after the incident, landing safely without any injuries to passengers or crew.
Southwest Airlines stated that safety is their top priority and that the event was handled appropriately. The Federal Aviation Administration is currently investigating the incident to determine the cause and prevent future occurrences.
This incident is reminiscent of a similar event involving a United Airlines Boeing 777 in 2022, when the aircraft plunged 775 feet shortly after takeoff from Maui. After landing, the pilots reported the incident and underwent additional training to ensure safety in future flights.
It is crucial for airlines to prioritize safety and ensure that pilots are well-prepared to handle unexpected situations in the air. Passengers trust that they will arrive at their destinations safely, and incidents like these serve as important reminders of the importance of thorough training and adherence to safety protocols in the aviation industry.