Southwest Flight from Burbank Makes Abrupt Descent to Avoid Mid-Air Collision

BURBANK, Calif. (KABC) — Passengers on a Southwest Airlines flight departing from Burbank experienced a terrifying moment Friday when the aircraft made a rapid descent shortly after takeoff to avoid a potential mid-air collision.

According to flight data from FlightRadar24, Southwest Flight 1496 had been airborne for about six minutes after departing Hollywood Burbank Airport en route to Las Vegas when it suddenly dropped 475 feet — descending from 14,100 feet to 13,625 feet.

A viewer from Woodland Hills who was aboard the Southwest flight contacted ABC7 immediately after the plane landed safely in Las Vegas. He reported that the pilot informed passengers a collision avoidance alert had triggered the sudden descent.

At the time, the other aircraft involved — a Hawker Hunter with tail number N335AX — was flying at approximately 14,653 feet when the Southwest jet began its descent.

When a plane’s collision avoidance system detects a potential threat, it automatically instructs one aircraft to climb and the other to descend to prevent a crash. Preliminary data indicates the two planes were several miles apart when the alerts were issued to the pilots.

Steve Ulasewicz, another passenger on the flight, described the moment as a "significant drop." He told ABC News that the pilot later confirmed the maneuver was made to “avoid a mid-air collision.”

“There was about an eight to ten-second drop — it felt like free fall,” Ulasewicz said. “I’ve never experienced anything like it. Everyone on the plane started screaming. It really felt like... this is it. This is how it ends.”

He also mentioned that a flight attendant was injured during the incident and was met by medical personnel upon arrival in Las Vegas.

Southwest Airlines released a statement on Flight 1496 that said, in part:

"Southwest is engaged with the Federal Aviation Administration to further understand the circumstances. No injuries were immediately reported by Customers, but two Flight Attendants are being treated for injuries. We appreciate the professionalism of our Flight Crew and Flight Attendants in responding to this event. Nothing is more important to Southwest than the Safety of our Customers and Employees."

The FAA is investigating.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

ABC News contributed to this story.