Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft encountered a near-disaster situation in April when it dropped more than 4,000 feet per minute before the flight crew pulled up to avoid crashing into the ocean off the coast of Hawaii. The incident, which was previously unreported, is now under investigation by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

According to a memo seen by Bloomberg News, the Boeing 737 Max 8 jet experienced a sudden and abnormal drop in altitude before the pilots managed to recover the plane. The incident occurred after weather conditions prevented the plane from landing, forcing the crew to attempt a second landing. No injuries were reported, and the flight safely returned to Honolulu.

This incident adds to a series of recent safety mishaps that have raised concerns as airlines have resumed flying amid the ongoing pandemic. The news comes at a time when Southwest Airlines is facing pressure from activist firm Elliott Investment Management and other investors due to concerns about its financial performance and company culture.

Southwest Airlines emphasized its commitment to safety, stating that nothing is more important to the airline and highlighting their robust Safety Management System. The airline also stated that the incident was addressed appropriately and that they constantly strive for continuous improvement.

Data from ADS-B Exchange, a flight tracking website, indicated that Southwest Flight 2786 dropped from approximately 1,000 feet to just 400 feet above the ocean in a matter of seconds before beginning a rapid climb. A former commercial airline pilot and flight instructor, Kit Darby, described the experience as feeling like a roller-coaster ride.

The incident occurred due to an aborted landing attempt caused by inclement weather that obstructed the pilots' visibility. The memo revealed that the less-experienced first officer, who was in command during the short flight to Lihue, inadvertently pushed forward on the control column, causing the plane to descend. Prompted by a warning system, the captain instructed the first officer to increase thrust, resulting in an aggressive climb at a rate of 8,500 feet per minute.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) stated that they were unaware of the Southwest incident, and the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association declined to comment. Southwest Airlines did not provide specific details regarding the flight number or date of the incident, citing a FAA-overseen safety program that allows employees to report concerns anonymously.

In response to the incident, Southwest Airlines acknowledged the need for better pilot monitoring and improved communication among crew members. The airline pledged to review industry and internal data related to its procedures and training protocols.

This incident bears similarities to a previous event in December 2022 involving a United Airlines flight in Hawaii, where miscommunication between pilots led to a similar near-disaster situation. The FAA and NTSB conducted an investigation into that incident, resulting in additional training for the pilots involved.

At the close of regular trading in New York, Southwest Airlines' stock remained relatively unchanged.