FAA official announcements or press releases

FAA Audits Southwest Airlines After Boeing Jet's Low Flight Near Tampa

Jul 23, 2024, 10:56 AM

Federal officials are investigating an incident involving a Southwest Airlines Boeing plane that flew as low as 150 feet above water while still about five miles from its intended landing at Tampa International Airport. The flight, which occurred on July 14, ultimately landed at Fort Lauderdale airport. This incident follows a similar event last month in Oklahoma City, where another Southwest jet flew at an unusually low altitude while still miles from the airport. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an audit of Southwest Airlines following these and other recent safety incidents, including flights descending too early and taking off from closed runways. Southwest Airlines is cooperating with the FAA and has formed a team to analyze its safety system.