TAMPA, Florida – A Southwest Airlines flight bound for Tampa International Airport experienced a harrowing incident on July 14, descending rapidly and coming within a dangerous proximity to the surface of Tampa Bay. Flight tracking data revealed that the plane dropped more than 1,500 feet in just over a minute, causing concern among both passengers and aviation experts.

The Boeing 737 MAX aircraft encountered stormy weather conditions, including light rain and strong gusts of up to 20 mph, as it navigated its way towards Tampa. Despite the challenging weather, the pilots continued their descent, prompting an air traffic control operator to alert them to their dangerously low altitude. The plane quickly ascended about 1,000 feet in response to the warning.

Aviation experts such as Robert Katz, a veteran commercial pilot, expressed alarm at the incident, emphasizing the potential dangers of flying so close to the surface. Katz noted that wind shear, a rapid change in wind speed or direction, could have posed a significant risk to the aircraft. He critiqued the pilots for not monitoring the descent closely and failing to recognize the perilous situation they were in.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that they are investigating the incident, while Southwest Airlines assured the public of their commitment to safety. However, concerns have been raised about the pilots’ decision-making and attentiveness during the flight, especially given the rerouting of the plane to Fort Lauderdale due to poor weather conditions.

This alarming event is not an isolated incident for Southwest Airlines, as the company has faced scrutiny in the past for similar incidents involving low-altitude flights and safety issues. The National Transportation Safety Board is also investigating other recent occurrences involving Southwest jets, raising questions about the airline’s operational practices and maintenance procedures.

As authorities delve into the details of this incident, passengers and industry professionals alike are left wondering about the factors that led to such a close call over Tampa Bay. With safety at the forefront of aviation concerns, it remains to be seen how Southwest Airlines will address the issues raised by this troubling event.