Southwest Flight Investigated after Near-Miss with Causeway

A Southwest flight from Columbus to Tampa narrowly avoided a collision with the Courtney Campbell Causeway after descending dangerously low, prompting an investigation by the FAA.

A Southwest Airlines flight en route from Columbus to Tampa International Airport (TPA) was forced to divert to Fort Lauderdale on July 14 after descending alarmingly close to the Courtney Campbell Causeway.

According to data obtained by Fox 13 Tampa, the plane, identified as Southwest Flight 425, plummeted to within 150 feet of the causeway, a mere fraction of the expected 1,000-foot altitude at that point in the approach.

Southwest Flight Investigated after Near-Miss with Causeway

In an air traffic control recording acquired by the news station, an air traffic technician can be heard issuing a warning to the pilots: "Southwest 425, low altitude alert, check your altitude."

The reason for the flight's diversion to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) remains unclear. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the incident.

Southwest Flight Investigated after Near-Miss with Causeway

A spokesperson for Southwest Airlines confirmed the safe diversion and the aircraft's subsequent return to TPA following a brief stopover in FLL. "Safety is our top priority," the spokesperson emphasized.

The FAA, in a statement to Fox News Digital, acknowledged its heightened oversight of Southwest Airlines to ensure compliance with safety regulations. "Safety will drive the timeline" of the investigation, the statement noted.

Southwest Flight Investigated after Near-Miss with Causeway

One retired pilot, Kent Davis, speculated that the incident may have been the result of pilot error. "It's hard to believe how they got to 150 feet with the warnings available on the aircraft," Davis said. "Either they started their descent at the wrong point or there was a malfunction."

Southwest Airlines, in its statement to Fox News Digital, reiterated its commitment to the safety of passengers and employees. Initial findings from the FAA investigation are expected to take several months.

The incident has raised concerns about the safety of the Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft, the type of plane involved in the near-miss. The 737 Max 8 was grounded worldwide in March 2019 following two fatal crashes. However, it was cleared to return to service in November 2020 after the FAA mandated software updates and pilot training.

The latest incident involving Southwest Flight 425 underscores the importance of aviation safety and the need for ongoing vigilance in monitoring air traffic. The FAA's thorough investigation into the near-miss will shed light on the circumstances surrounding the descent and provide valuable insights to improve safety measures.