Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 Comes Within 400 Feet of the Ocean Near Hawaii

By Ivan PetrenkoJun 16, 2024 17:10 PMNews
Share:
Airbus A320 prepares to land
Airbus A320 prepares to land. Source: unsplash

On April 11th, 2024, Southwest Airlines Flight 2786 experienced a severe altitude drop while approaching Lihue Airport (LIH) in Hawaii. The Boeing 737 MAX 8, which was on a short flight from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), descended rapidly, coming within 400 feet of the ocean's surface before recovering.

The aircraft, carrying passengers from HNL to LIH, aborted its landing and safely returned to its departure airport. No injuries were reported among the passengers or crew, who were secured for landing at the time of the incident.

The flight, operated by a two-year-old Boeing 737 MAX 8, experienced this dramatic descent approximately 28 minutes into the flight. The aircraft's descent rate reached nearly 4,400 feet per minute before the crew managed to regain control. The situation was exacerbated by the turbulent weather conditions the aircraft encountered during its approach to LIH.

Upon the aircraft's sudden drop, the crew initiated a climb at a rate of over 8,500 feet per minute, an intense maneuver likely felt by passengers. The flight eventually diverted back to HNL without further incident, and the event was later addressed by Southwest Airlines through their Safety Management System.

An internal memo revealed that pilot error was identified as the primary cause of the near-tragedy. The flight crew included an experienced captain and a first officer on their first flight to LIH. Despite challenging weather conditions and previous missed approaches by other aircraft, the captain allowed the first officer to handle the approach for training purposes. This decision, combined with the deteriorating weather and an inadvertent push forward on the controls during a go-around, led to the rapid descent.

The crew's corrective actions included participation in an Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) and a Human Factors interview, ensuring that such incidents are thoroughly analyzed and mitigated in the future.

Southwest Airlines emphasized their commitment to safety in a statement, highlighting the continuous improvements and robust measures in place to address such events. The FAA and NTSB are also involved in the investigation, seeking to prevent similar occurrences.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Freight train crossing an old bridge over a narrow road with restricted clearance signs

Somerset Road Closure to Disrupt Key Travel Route During Peak Summer Season

Jun 5, 2025 20:47 PM
A person speaking through a megaphone during a protest, surrounded by others

Strikes at Helsinki Airport Set to Disrupt Hundreds of Finnair Flights in June

Jun 5, 2025 18:36 PM

No Trains, Just Buses: Redhill to Tonbridge Line Shuts for August Works

Jun 5, 2025 16:21 PM

June Travel Alert: Strikes to Disrupt Flights and Trains Across Italy

Jun 5, 2025 14:48 PM
Resort suite with terrace and tropical view

Two Ancient Cities, One Route: New Cham Heritage Journey Links Hoi An and Quy Nhon

Jun 5, 2025 02:35 AM
Modern passenger train traveling through lush green countryside in Northern UK

New Rail Guides Make Northern UK Cities Easier to Explore by Train

Jun 4, 2025 22:26 PM
Emirates Boeing 777-300ER taking off against a clear sky

Bangkok Becomes New Gateway to Da Nang and Siem Reap

Jun 4, 2025 20:41 PM
Person using a smartphone indoors

Iberia Launches AI Travel Assistant on ChatGPT to Aid Trip Planning

Jun 4, 2025 18:31 PM
Elegant hotel room with a bed, sofa, and warm lighting, featuring large windows and classic decor

New Hotels Near London Eye to Offer More Options for Travellers by 2028

Jun 4, 2025 15:55 PM

Old Walls, New Stay: Lyon’s Cour des Loges Opens to Travelers Again

Jun 4, 2025 13:47 PM

Emirates Switches Entire Bahrain Route to Airbus A350

Jun 4, 2025 00:33 AM
Man speaking to protester during strike demonstration

Bus Strikes in Ayrshire Threaten Key Summer Travel Routes

Jun 3, 2025 21:21 PM
Etihad Airways aircraft preparing to land

Etihad Opens New Direct Flights Connecting Central Europe with Global Destinations

Jun 3, 2025 19:46 PM
Modern hotel room with minimalistic decor and artwork above bed

Katowice to Open First Crowne Plaza in 2026, Expanding Travel Options in a Growing City

Jun 3, 2025 17:37 PM
Air New Zealand plane taxiing on the runway

Air New Zealand Launches First Seasonal Direct Flights Between Christchurch and Adelaide

Jun 3, 2025 15:53 PM

Hyatt Opens Adults-Only Resort in Bulgaria’s Sunny Beach, Offering a Quieter Black Sea Escape

Jun 3, 2025 11:44 AM

Air Route Reopens: Dubai to Damascus Flights Coming Back

Jun 3, 2025 09:38 AM
Construction workers installing large pipes on railway tracks during infrastructure upgrades

June Rail Upgrades Disrupt Travel Between Bristol and South Wales

Jun 2, 2025 22:27 PM
flydubai aircraft on the runway with city skyscrapers in the background

flydubai Resumes Dubai-Damascus Flights After 12 Years, Opening New Travel Opportunities

Jun 2, 2025 20:41 PM
Trains at London's King’s Cross station under a glass roof

Big Travel Shake-Up on 15 June: London Trains Suspended Across Four Counties

Jun 2, 2025 18:34 PM
IndiGo aircraft taxiing on runway at an Indian airport

Airlines Join Forces to Rethink India–West Travel Routes

Jun 2, 2025 16:29 PM
Greater Anglia trains at a station platform in London

Rail Disruptions Expected During Tottenham Stadium Shows

Jun 2, 2025 15:42 PM

Finnair Strike Triggers Mass Flight Cancellations at Helsinki Airport

Jun 2, 2025 14:36 PM

New Adults Only Resort Opens Doors in Halkidiki, Expanding Travel Options Beyond Greek Islands

Jun 1, 2025 20:47 PM
Interior of Helsinki Airport terminal with silhouetted passengers

Helsinki Strike Shakes Flight Schedules Ahead of Summer Rush

Jun 1, 2025 18:32 PM
Interior of a city bus with empty seats and yellow handrails

Royal Highland Show 2025: City Buses Diverted for June Event

May 31, 2025 11:24 AM