Southwest is being investigated after a slew of incidents, including a rare ‘Dutch Roll’ and planes flying too close to the ground
Southwest Airlines, one of the United States’ major carriers, has recently been under heightened scrutiny following a series of safety incidents that have raised concerns among aviation authorities and the traveling public. Notably, these incidents include a rare ‘Dutch Roll’ event and episodes where aircraft descended perilously close to the ground. In response, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) initiated a comprehensive review to assess the airline’s adherence to safety protocols and operational standards.
The ‘Dutch Roll’ Incident
On May 25, 2024, Southwest Airlines Flight 746, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 registered as N8825Q, experienced a ‘Dutch Roll’ during its journey from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to Oakland International Airport. A ‘Dutch Roll’ is an oscillatory motion involving the aircraft’s yaw and roll axes, often described as a tail-wagging coupled with rocking wings. This phenomenon can be particularly disorienting and, if not promptly corrected, may lead to structural stress or loss of control. Post-flight inspections revealed damage to the standby power control unit (PCU), though fortunately, none of the 175 passengers and six crew members sustained injuries.
Low Altitude Incidents
In addition to the ‘Dutch Roll’ event, Southwest has been involved in incidents where aircraft descended to alarmingly low altitudes during approach. One such case occurred on April 18, 2024, involving Southwest Airlines Flight 2937 at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. The aircraft was cleared to cross runway 4 while JetBlue Flight 1554 was commencing its takeoff on the same runway, leading to a close call. Although the exact altitude metrics were not disclosed, the proximity of the two aircraft prompted immediate corrective actions to avert a potential collision.
Runway Incursions and Near-Miss Events
Southwest Airlines has also been implicated in several runway incursions and near-miss incidents. For instance, on February 25, 2025, at Chicago Midway International Airport, a Southwest flight had to abort its landing to avoid colliding with a private jet that had entered the runway without authorization. The aircraft was on final approach when it executed a go-around maneuver, subsequently landing safely. This incident underscores the increasing frequency of near-miss events in U.S. airspace, often attributed to factors such as air traffic controller shortages and inadequate warning systems.
FAA’s Comprehensive Review
In light of these incidents, the FAA initiated a thorough review of Southwest Airlines’ safety practices in July 2024. This review aimed to scrutinize the airline’s operational protocols, pilot training programs, and adherence to established safety standards. The investigation encompassed various incidents, including the ‘Dutch Roll’ event, low altitude approaches, and runway incursions. After months of meticulous evaluation, the FAA concluded its review in December 2024, finding no significant safety issues within Southwest’s operations. The agency acknowledged the airline’s cooperation throughout the process and emphasized the importance of continuous vigilance in maintaining aviation safety.
Southwest Airlines’ Response
In response to the FAA’s findings and to reinforce its commitment to safety, Southwest Airlines implemented several proactive measures. The airline established a dedicated team of experts to assess and enhance safety protocols, ensuring alignment with industry best practices. Additionally, Southwest conducted supplementary training sessions for its pilots and crew members, focusing on scenarios such as unusual aircraft attitudes and effective communication during critical phases of flight. The airline also organized a ‘Safety Day’ to foster open dialogue among pilots and address any concerns related to operational safety.
Industry-Wide Implications
The incidents involving Southwest Airlines are part of a broader pattern of safety concerns within the aviation industry. Recent events, including a midair collision near Washington D.C. resulting in 67 fatalities, have heightened public apprehension about air travel safety. Aviation experts have pointed to factors such as air traffic controller shortages, increased air traffic, and outdated warning systems as contributing to the uptick in near-miss incidents. Despite these challenges, statistical data indicates that flying remains one of the safest modes of transportation, with rigorous safety protocols and continuous improvements mitigating risks.
Conclusion
While the recent spate of incidents involving Southwest Airlines has drawn attention to potential safety vulnerabilities, the comprehensive review by the FAA has not identified significant safety issues within the airline’s operations. Southwest’s proactive measures to enhance safety protocols and training reflect its commitment to passenger and crew well-being. Nevertheless, these events serve as a critical reminder of the need for ongoing vigilance, investment in safety infrastructure, and adherence to stringent operational standards across the aviation industry to ensure the continued safety of air travel.