Pilots said nothing as Southwest plane flew dangerously low over Tampa Bay
On July 14, a Southwest Airlines flight descended dangerously low near Tampa Bay, alarming passengers. The FAA is investigating the incident, which raises concerns about pilot fatigue and safety practices.
Read original articleOn July 14, a Southwest Airlines flight experienced a dangerous incident while approaching Tampa Bay, where it descended to just 150 feet above the water, alarming passengers. Amy Giannotti, a passenger on the flight, reported a sudden jolt upward after the plane had been flying low, with no communication from the pilots during the descent. Aviation experts described the situation as a "near-fatal" incident, noting that the aircraft was over 1,000 feet below the FAA's designated flight path. The pilots only informed passengers of a change in course after regaining altitude, stating they would reroute to Fort Lauderdale due to fuel issues, which raised questions about their decision-making. Certified flight instructor Robert Katz suggested that pilot fatigue might have contributed to the incident, as the flight was the crew's fourth of the day. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the incident, which is part of a broader review of safety practices at Southwest Airlines following several near-misses. Giannotti expressed concern about her future flights with Southwest, feeling unsettled by the lack of communication and the close call. The airline has since sent her a $100 voucher but has not provided clear answers regarding the incident. The FAA's investigation will likely focus on crew rest periods and operational pressures that may compromise safety.
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I'll toss out a theory - there has been a pilot shortage for the last several years. Are corners getting cut on pilot training? Incompetence explains a lot. This is a really baffling incident to me on its face and reading some takes from aviation experts it seems like I am not the only one that thinks so.
Fort Lauderdale is over 260 miles from Tampa. How in the world is that closer than trying to turn around and land in Tampa?
Between stories like this and the ones about runway incursions, it does sometimes feel like our system is beyond the breaking point and that we're on the precipice of a disaster. On the other hand, I can't remember the last time there actually was one and it's very possible that the fact that we only hear about when things go wrong is coloring my perception.
If they had to divert, St. Pete Clearwater is right there and big. They probably flew right over it. Orlando and Sarasota are also much closer than Ft. Lauderdale. Maybe they didn't want St. Pete/Clearwater or Sarasota because of weather or Southwest doesn't use them, but Orlando gets plenty of Southwest traffic.
For a more detailed description of the event
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