Scare in the air: Passenger recalls Tampa flight that plunged 150 feet above water

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Passengers on a Tampa-bound flight say their trip took a terrifying turn when the plane came dangerously close to the water and the Courtney Campbell Causeway.

The plane dropped 150 feet above the water before being re-routed to Fort Lauderdale leading to an investigation into what happened.

“I was concerned we were flying in a Tampa storm, so I opened my window, and when I opened my window. I was watching how we were approaching, we were coming around MacDill air force base and I know you can’t fly over MacDill force base, it was just a unique approach,” passenger Nancy Allen said.

Allen’s cell phone video shows the plane ascending back into the sky after trying to land in Tampa, and being redirected to Fort Lauderdale.

It was in that moment Allen she knew something was wrong.

“I was feeling a little panic, at that moment I panicked, and I started texting my husband this is sketchy and I was texting him, abort, abort,” Allen said.

Allen said she is relieved she landed safely. but still wonders about exactly what happened.

“That was the worst flight I have been on in a really long time,” Allen said.

Southwest Airlines issues a statement on the incident:

Southwest Flight 425 safely diverted to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on July 14 after the Crew discontinued their planned approach into Tampa International Airport. The aircraft returned to Tampa after a short time on the ground in Fort Lauderdale. Southwest is following its robust Safety Management System and is in contact with the Federal Aviation Administration to understand and address any irregularities with the aircraft’s final approach. Nothing is more important to Southwest than the Safety of our Customers and Employees.

Southwest Airlines spokesperson

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