- 25 Jul, 2024
What was the reason behind the sudden decline of the Southwest Plane?
Boeing 737 Max 8 of Southwest Airlines rapidly descends to 150 feet above the Pacific Ocean.
Following the other two incidents, in a row Southwest Airlines has recently descended to 150 feet above the water. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the incident. As per the data received from Flightradar24, the flight was supposed to be closer to 1200 feet altitude. However, the same plunged to 150 feet altitude as caused by poor weather and thunderstorms when it was only 5 miles away from Tampa.
The pilot was immediately alerted about the situation that the flight had dipped to a dangerous altitude, and then the plane surged back to Fort Lauderdale. The flight was scheduled from Columbus, Ohio, to Tampa. However, the dangerous flying close to the ocean got diverted to Fort Lauderdale.
As per the conversation between the Air Traffic Controller and the Pilot, the pilot was alerter, saying " Southwest 425, low altitude alert, check your altitude". A support from Southwest stated about the flight diversion and informed about the safety measures being taken.
It is reportedly the third incident with Southwest Airlines about the low altitude. In June, the flight to Oklahoma City descended 525 feet nine miles away from Will Rogers World Airport. The other was when the flight to Kauai in April, Hawaii plunged to 400 feet above the ocean coast.
The passengers stated it was no less than a roller coaster ride, making hair-raising drops and causing a sudden thrust following the incident to a different destination. As mentioned by CNN, the FAA has stated that it learned of the incident immediately and opened an investigation.
According to News18, "the first officer inadvertently pushed forward on the controls while monitoring thrust levels controlled by the plane's automatic throttle. The pilot then reduced speed, causing the aircraft to rapidly descend and triggering alarms. With the plane nearing the ocean, the captain directed the first officer to increase thrust, resulting in a steep climb at 8500 feet per minute. The flight safely returned after the incident."
The UPI news states that Southwest Airlines said, "Southwest Flight 425 safely diverted to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on July 14 after the crew discontinued their approach into Tampa International Airport. The aircraft retired to Tampa after a short time on the ground in Fort Lauderdale".
As ABC News states, "It probably points to some sort of distraction in the cockpit. Whoever the pilot flew lost situational awareness and didn't realize the descent rate and how close they came to the water.
Though the actual cause is not known, the FAA has confirmed that the BI (British Investigators) is conducting an active investigation. Many experienced pilots state that pilot error is involved and also mention that there must have been several warnings, making it hard to believe.
"Nothing is more important to Southwest than the safety of its customers and employees." Southwest is following its robust safety management system and is in contact with the FAA about the incident was addressed appropriately as we always strive for continuous improvement", said the Airline.
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