In an unexpected detour from their tropical getaway, passengers aboard Southwest Airlines Flight 2786 found themselves momentarily considering a career as amateur oceanographers. The FAA is investigating after this flight came within a mere 400 feet of performing an impromptu water landing, an event officially classified under "thrills nobody signed up for" (CNN) (USA Today).

The suspenseful episode took place on June 15, 2024, during a modest inter-island hop from Honolulu to Lihue. Things took a dramatic turn when the aircraft decided to showcase its diving skills, dropping at a breathtaking pace of more than 4,000 feet per minute (USA Today). At its lowest point, the plane was just 400 feet above the watery abyss before making a heroic climb back to safer altitudes (CNN).

The near-dunking occurred thanks to a 'newer' first officer who, perhaps confusing the plane for a roller coaster, inadvertently pushed forward on the control column (USA Today). This unexpected move stunned passengers and likely aged the captain a few years, as they swiftly pulled the plane back into a less aquatic dimension.

The initial cause of the failed landing attempt was attributed to bad weather, a poignant reminder that even paradise has its pitfalls. The pilots aborted their approach, trading a potential beach landing for an impromptu ocean dive (CNN). In the aftermath of this adrenaline-fueled plunge, the sensible decision was made to return to Honolulu, presumably after everyone had a chance to inhale sharply a few times (CNN).

Despite the plane's brush with the ocean, no injuries were reported, proving that sometimes the most exciting experiences can also be the safest (USA Today). The FAA was quick to open an investigation into the incident, diligently ensuring that future flights avoid such unnecessary dramatics (CNN).

The incident first came to public light after Bloomberg reported an internal memo about it, adding fuel to the speculative fires of both nervous flyers and travel bloggers alike (USA Today).

Southwest Airlines acknowledged the incident in question, albeit with no additional details. The company's robust Safety Management System was highlighted, though it seems that "robust" now includes a protocol for handling near-oceanic escapades (CNN).

For those on board, Flight 2786 offered an unbeatable story perfect for any social gathering—an up-close, anxiety-inducing experience of a near-ocean landing, all thanks to an over-enthusiastic first officer and some uncooperative Hawaiian weather (USA Today).

And thus, passengers from this flight can now regale friends and family with tales of how close they came to becoming the next great explorers of the deep blue, courtesy of a Southwest ride that will be remembered for its unplanned scenic views (CNN).