Southwest Airlines (NYSE:LUV) is currently under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for a series of safety incidents, with the most recent one occurring on July 14. During this incident, a Southwest Boeing (NYSE:BA) 737 MAX flight departing from Columbus, Ohio, flew at a very low altitude over Tampa Bay, Florida. The flight was approximately 3 miles (5 km) from the Tampa airport when it dropped to as low as about 175 feet (53 meters) based on Flightradar24 data.
This July 14 incident is just one of many safety concerns raised by Southwest Airlines flights. In April, a Southwest 737 flight came within about 400 feet (122 meters) of the ocean off Hawaii after an inadvertent control column push by the first officer. In June, another Southwest flight departing from Las Vegas dropped to about 500 feet, prompting an alert from an air traffic controller. Additionally, a Southwest 737 MAX flight in May experienced a “Dutch roll” at 34,000 feet, which can pose serious safety risks.
The FAA is actively investigating these incidents involving Southwest Airlines to ensure the safety of passengers and crew members. In response to the July 14 incident, Southwest Airlines stated that they are in contact with the FAA to address any irregularities. The airline emphasized that nothing is more important to them than the safety of their customers and employees.
The recent string of safety incidents involving Southwest Airlines flights has raised serious concerns about the airline’s safety protocols and procedures. From low altitude flights to technical malfunctions, these incidents highlight the need for a thorough review of Southwest’s operations to prevent future safety issues.
The FAA’s investigation into Southwest Airlines’ safety incidents underscores the importance of stringent safety measures in the aviation industry. It is crucial for airlines to prioritize passenger safety above all else and take proactive steps to ensure that such incidents do not occur in the future. The findings of these investigations will be crucial in determining the necessary improvements that Southwest Airlines must make to guarantee the safety and well-being of their passengers and crew members.