FAA investigating Southwest flight that came within 400 feet of crashing into the ocean

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating a Southwest Airlines flight that came within 400 feet of crashing into the ocean off the coast of Hawaii. The incident occurred on June 9th, 2024, when a Boeing 737 carrying 186 passengers and six crew members was on approach to Kahului Airport on Maui. According to a preliminary report from the FAA, the aircraft descended below its assigned altitude and was only 400 feet above the water when the pilot initiated a climb. The FAA report also states that the pilots did not receive any warnings from the ground control system. The incident was first reported by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser. The airline has confirmed the incident, stating that the flight landed safely at Kahului Airport and that the airline is cooperating with the FAA's investigation. It is unclear what caused the aircraft to descend below its assigned altitude, and the FAA's investigation is ongoing. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of air travel, particularly in the context of recent incidents involving commercial flights.

Summary

"The FAA is investigating a Southwest Airlines flight that came within 400 feet of crashing into the ocean off the coast of Hawaii on June 9th, 2024. The cause of the incident is unknown and is under investigation by the FAA. The Southwest flight landed safely at Kahului Airport on Maui after descending below its assigned altitude. "