On July 25, 2025, Southwest Airlines Flight 1496, traveling from Hollywood Burbank Airport to Las Vegas, unexpectedly descended nearly 500 feet within six minutes of takeoff to avoid a potential mid-air collision. The aircraft dropped from 14,100 ft to approximately 13,625 ft before regaining altitude
The cockpit received two collision alerts prompting rapid climb and descent maneuvers. Flight tracking data indicated the evasive action occurred broadly around 11 a.m., about six minutes after takeoff
A military jet, identified as a Hawker Hunter MK 58 (N335AX), was nearby—later revealed to be roughly 4.86 miles laterally and 350 feet above the Southwest flight at the closest point
Passengers described the experience as terrifying, likening the drop to a free fall or the theme park ride Tower of Terror. Social media posts detailed people being thrown from their seats, screaming, and hitting the ceiling during the descent. Comedian Jimmy Dore, aboard the flight, posted that many passengers including himself were thrown upward, and the pilot announced the collision alert mid-flight
Two flight attendants sustained injuries and received medical attention after landing in Las Vegas. No passenger injuries were reported, according to Southwest Airlines. Southwest confirmed the crew responded professionally, and the FAA is conducting a formal investigation in collaboration with the airline.
This episode is among several recent near-miss incidents in U.S. airspace, raising concerns about military and commercial aircraft proximity. Earlier this week, a Delta Connection flight nearly collided with a B-52 bomber over North Dakota, and a fatal mid-air crash near Washington, D.C. in January claimed 67 lives, prompting intensified focus on aviation safety protocols.
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