A Southwest Airlines plane caused a stir over Oklahoma City on Wednesday when it unexpectedly descended prematurely, startling residents miles away from the airport. The Boeing 737-800, operating as flight No. 4069 from Las Vegas to Oklahoma City, began its descent from 39,000 feet but reached an altitude of only about 525 feet, still nine miles away from its destination.
According to a report by The Associated Press citing Flightradar24 data, the plane quickly ascended back to about 3,000 feet before safely landing at Will Rogers World Airport at 12:16 a.m. local time. An automated warning alerted the pilots of the low altitude, and air traffic controllers were quick to intervene.
In a recording from LiveATC.net provided to The Oklahoman newspaper, an air traffic controller can be heard saying, “Southwest 4069, low altitude alert. You good out there?” The Federal Aviation Administration (F.A.A.) has since launched an investigation into the incident.
The plane’s low point occurred over the city of Yukon, just west of Oklahoma City, prompting some residents to take to social media expressing their alarm at the noise and low flight path of the aircraft. Southwest Airlines has assured the public that they are cooperating with the F.A.A. to address any irregularities with the aircraft’s approach.
While there is no indication of any mechanical failure causing the incident, Boeing planes have faced scrutiny in recent months due to safety concerns. In January, an Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9 jet experienced a door panel blowout, resulting in the temporary grounding of some planes and a commitment from the company to enhance safety measures. Southwest Airlines and the F.A.A. are working together to ensure the safety and security of all flights in the future.
