FAA Investigating Southwest Airlines Flight For Low Altitude Incident

Southwest airline pilots approach to land at San Diego International airport

The Federal Aviation Administration is currently investigating an incident involving a Southwest Airlines flight that descended to just 525 feet above ground as it approached Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City. The incident occurred on Wednesday and triggered an altitude warning from air traffic control indicating that the aircraft was getting too low.

Flight 4069, a Boeing 737-800, was approximately 9 miles from the airport, flying over Yukon, Oklahoma, when it descended to the low altitude just after midnight on Wednesday, according to flight tracking information from FlightRadar24.

An air traffic control recording by LiveATC.net captured a controller alerting the pilots of Southwest 4069 about the low altitude, to which the pilots' response was not audible. The aircraft briefly climbed after the descent stopped and successfully landed at Oklahoma City, as shown by tracking data.

Flight 4069 descended to 525 feet above ground over Yukon, Oklahoma.

FAA investigating Southwest Airlines flight incident near Will Rogers World Airport.

Air traffic control issued altitude warning as aircraft approached Oklahoma City.

The FAA released a statement confirming the investigation, stating that after an automated warning sounded, an air traffic controller informed the crew of Southwest Airlines Flight 4069 about the low altitude issue. Southwest Airlines also acknowledged the incident and emphasized its commitment to safety, stating that it is working closely with the FAA to address any irregularities with the aircraft's approach.

This incident is the second recent occurrence involving a Southwest flight narrowly missing the ground. In April, the crew of Southwest Flight 2786 aborted its approach into Lihue Airport in Hawaii but descended to 400 feet above the Pacific Ocean instead of climbing.