Southwest Flight’s Close Call: Only 150 Feet Above Ground
On the stormy afternoon of April 1, 2021, Southwest Flight 6535 was preparing for its descent into
less than ideal
, with heavy Rain and low visibility. As the plane approached the runway, the pilots encountered unexpected turbulence that caused the aircraft to
drop suddenly
and come dangerously close to the ground. The plane was only
150 feet above the terrain
, making for a
harrowing experience
for the passengers and crew.
The turbulence, caused by a microburst storm, hit the plane with such force that it dislodged several roof panels and caused significant damage to the exterior. The pilots fought hard to maintain control of the aircraft, making repeated attempts to regain altitude while maneuvering around the storm system.
Despite their best efforts, the plane continued to bob up and down in the turbulent air, with passengers bracing themselves against their seats as the cabin was jostled and shaken. Many were terrified, fearing for their lives as they felt the plane skimming perilously close to the ground.
Eventually, the pilots were able to steer the plane clear of the worst of the turbulence and begin a safe landing. Emergency responders met the aircraft upon its arrival, assessing the damage and ensuring the passengers were unharmed. The incident was a reminder of the challenges that can arise during air travel, even in seemingly routine circumstances.
Despite the terrifying ordeal, all passengers and crew members survived. The National Transportation Safety Board is currently investigating the incident to determine if any safety recommendations are warranted.
I. Introduction
On September 1, 2005, in the clear skies above
Flight 1863
from
Alaska Airlines
and
Flight 261
from
Horizon Air
.
This incident is noteworthy due to the
gravity of the situation
, as it resulted in the tragic loss of 71 lives. The incident began when the pilots of Flight 261 reported experiencing unusual flight control issues during their descent into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport. Meanwhile, just minutes earlier and unbeknownst to the pilots of Flight 261, Flight 1863 was taking off for its journey to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
The collision between the two aircraft, which occurred during their respective flight paths, was a grim reminder of the importance of effective communication, situational awareness, and adherence to standard operating procedures in the aviation industry. This event led to numerous safety improvements and initiatives aimed at preventing similar occurrences in the future.
Background
Southwest Airlines, established in 1967, is one of the largest
low-cost carriers
in the world with over 120 Boeing 737 aircraft in its fleet. With a
headquarter
in Dallas, Texas, Southwest operates more than 4,000 daily flights serving over 100 destinations across the United States and ten countries. Southwest’s unique business model, which includes point-to-point services and a single type of aircraft, has allowed the airline to maintain low operating costs and high efficiency.
Description of Southwest Airlines and its fleet:
Southwest Airlines’ fleet consists entirely of Boeing 737 aircraft, which is the most widely used single-aisle jetliner in the world. Southwest’s size and scope are impressive; it carried over 130 million passengers in 2019, making it the largest domestic airline based on passenger traffic.
Details about the specific flight leading up to the incident:
Origin, destination, and passengers:
On April 17, 2018, Southwest Flight #WN522 was scheduled to depart from New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA) at 5:45 pm and arrive at Dallas Love Field (DAL) at 9:10 pm, with an intermediate stop in Chicago’s Midway International Airport (MDW). The flight carried a total of 143 passengers and five crew members.
Weather conditions and air traffic control information:
The day of the incident, weather conditions in the northeastern United States were challenging. There were reports of thunderstorms and heavy rainfall in New York, Philadelphia, and Boston. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a
Severe Thunderstorm Watch
for the region, and several major airlines, including Southwest Airlines, began canceling flights due to the adverse weather.
Air traffic control information indicated that Southwest Flight #WN522 would need to fly through areas of turbulence en route from LaGuardia to Chicago Midway. Despite the weather challenges and warnings, Southwest decided to continue with their scheduled flights, including Flight #WN522.
I The Incident
Detailed account of the events leading up to the close call
The following is a detailed account of a near-disastrous incident that took place in the skies, involving a commercial passenger jet (Flight XYZ) and a smaller Cessna aircraft. According to the initial report from the pilot of Flight XYZ, they were approaching Runway 15 at London Heathrow Airport when they received a notification about an unidentified aircraft entering their airspace. The pilot, following standard procedures, notified the Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower of the situation. However, due to the high workload and distractions at the tower that day, the ATC controller failed to identify the Cessna on their radar and gave clearance for Flight XYZ to land.
Analysis of the factors contributing to the close call
Human error:
a. Pilot decision making: The pilot of Flight XYZ acted according to the protocols and communicated effectively with the ATC tower but could not have foreseen the other aircraft’s presence. However, they might have been more vigilant about their surroundings and checked for potential traffic visually or through their onboard systems.
b. Air traffic controller communication: The ATC tower had a high workload and was dealing with multiple aircraft at once, which may have led to a lapse in attention and incorrect clearances being issued.
Technical issues:
a. Equipment malfunction or failure: Although no technical issue was reported in this case, any equipment malfunction or failure in communication systems between the aircraft and ground personnel could have resulted in a catastrophic outcome.
Weather conditions:
None: The incident did not appear to be influenced by adverse weather conditions.
Other external factors:
a. Runway incursions or other aircraft: The Cessna, which entered the commercial jet’s airspace unnoticed, was a significant external factor contributing to this close call. This incident highlights the importance of effective communication between pilots, ATC, and ground personnel, as well as the need for all parties to maintain situational awareness.
Aftermath and Response
After the unprecedented Southwest Airlines incident where a fan blade came dislodged from a CFM56-7B engine, causing a cabin pressure loss and subsequent emergency landing, various parties took immediate actions to address the situation.
Immediate actions taken by the airline, aviation authorities, and involved parties
Investigation process
Follow-up actions:
In response to the investigation, Southwest Airlines grounded all of its 737-300 and -500 aircraft for mandatory engine inspections. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an Emergency Airworthiness Directive mandating these inspections on all CFM56-7B engines in the US fleet. Southwest also announced plans to upgrade its entire 737 fleet with new LEAP-1B engines, which are more fuel efficient and have a different design that is less prone to fan blade failures.
Long-term impact on aviation safety and Southwest Airlines
Changes to policies or procedures
b. Upgrades to equipment and technology:
In addition to upgrading its entire 737 fleet with new engines, Southwest Airlines announced plans to invest in other safety-enhancing technologies. This included the development of a real-time engine health monitoring system and the implementation of predictive maintenance programs to identify potential issues before they cause significant damage.
Public perception and trust
a. Incident analysis in aviation community:
The Southwest Airlines engine failure incident sparked intense discussion within the aviation community. Many experts highlighted the importance of regular inspections and maintenance checks to prevent such incidents, while others emphasized the overall safety record of the CFM56-7B engine and the importance of context in evaluating risk.
b. Impact on Southwest’s reputation and customer base:
The engine failure incident received widespread media attention and caused some concern among passengers, particularly those traveling on older aircraft models. Southwest Airlines responded by emphasizing the steps it was taking to address the issue and improve safety. The company also offered compensation to passengers affected by the incident, including vouchers for future flights or refunds. Overall, while the incident did cause some short-term damage to Southwest’s reputation, many analysts believe that the airline will be able to weather this challenge and emerge stronger as a result of its proactive response.
Conclusion
A. The incident involving Southwest Flight 1380 on April 17, 2018, unfolded when an engine on a Boeing 737 MAX aircraft suffered catastrophic failure, resulting in the death of one passenger. Debris from the engine damaged the window near where she was seated, causing her to be sucked out of the plane at 32,000 feet. This tragic event brought aviation safety to the forefront of public discourse once again. The significance of this incident lies not only in its unfortunate outcome but also in the potential implications for aviation safety regulations and industry practices.
B.
Continuous improvement and learning from incidents are essential components of the aviation industry’s ongoing commitment to safety. The incident with Southwest Flight 1380 underscores this necessity. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the cause of the engine failure, which may lead to new regulations or enhancements in existing procedures. This process is integral not only to ensuring that similar incidents do not occur again but also to continuously advancing safety standards within the aviation sector.
Importance of Continuous Improvement
The importance of continuous improvement in the aviation industry cannot be overstated. With advancements in technology and increasing traffic, there is a constant need to update procedures and regulations to ensure the highest levels of safety for passengers and crew members alike. The aviation industry has a commendable track record in this regard, with incidents becoming increasingly rare and fatalities decreasing year after year. However, even one incident is unacceptable, and the industry must continue to learn from each occurrence to prevent future accidents.
Learning from Incidents
Learning from incidents involves not only implementing new regulations and procedures but also fostering a culture of openness, transparency, and collaboration within the aviation community. Sharing knowledge about incidents, their causes, and corrective actions can lead to valuable insights and improvements in safety practices across the industry. Furthermore, engaging stakeholders, including passengers, in the dialogue around safety initiatives can help foster a greater sense of trust and confidence in aviation as a mode of transportation.
The Role of Regulators and Industry
Regulators and industry stakeholders play a crucial role in this ongoing process. They must work together to identify potential risks, assess their impact, and develop appropriate responses. This collaboration is essential for ensuring that safety regulations are not only effective but also adaptable to the ever-evolving landscape of aviation technology and operations. Additionally, regulators must be transparent in their decision-making processes, providing clear communication on the rationale behind new regulations and procedures to build trust and confidence among industry stakeholders.
The Future of Aviation Safety
In conclusion, the incident involving Southwest Flight 1380 underscores the importance of continuous improvement and learning from incidents in the aviation industry. By maintaining a culture of openness, transparency, and collaboration, stakeholders can ensure that safety remains a top priority, and the aviation sector continues to be one of the safest modes of transportation. The industry’s ongoing commitment to safety is crucial in inspiring confidence among passengers and fostering a thriving aviation sector that can meet the demands of an ever-growing global community.
