Southwest Flight Nearly Crashed, Ex-Pilot Explains What Went Wrong

A Southwest Airlines flight came within 400 feet of crashing in February due to a series of unfortunate events, according to a former pilot who analyzed the flight data. The plane, a Boeing 737, was approaching a runway in San Diego when it encountered strong wind shear, a sudden and dangerous change in wind speed and direction. The wind shear caused the plane to descend rapidly, prompting the pilots to take evasive action. However, the plane's autothrottle system, which automatically adjusts engine power, malfunctioned and reduced engine power instead of increasing it. As a result, the plane continued to descend until it was just 400 feet above the ground. The pilots eventually regained control of the plane and landed safely, but the incident highlights the dangers of wind shear and the importance of proper equipment functioning. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the incident, and the pilots have not been disciplined. The ex-pilot who analyzed the flight data emphasizes that wind shear is a common hazard for pilots, and this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of proper training and awareness.

Summary

"This near-crash incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers of flying and the importance of pilots' skills and training, as well as the reliability of aircraft systems. The investigation into the incident is ongoing and will likely shed further light on the chain of events that led to the near-crash."