Southwest Captain Injured by Detached HUD During Vegas Takeoff

LAS VEGAS — Southwest Airlines Flight 568 experienced a rare cockpit equipment failure April 8 when the captain's Heads-Up Display detached and struck the pilot during takeoff at Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport.

The Boeing 737-700 (N200WN) was departing for Reno-Tahoe International Airport around 2:20 p.m. when the HUD struck the captain, causing a mild concussion and incapacitation. The first officer immediately took control, declared an emergency and returned safely to Las Vegas, landing on Runway 26L at 2:45 p.m. "The HUD came down and hit him on the head on the takeoff roll," crew members reported to air traffic control.

Despite requiring medical attention and a wheelchair upon landing, the captain recovered sufficiently to assist with taxiing to the gate. The flight resumed after a 1.5-hour delay, arriving in Reno approximately two hours late. The FAA has launched an investigation into the malfunction, which aviation experts describe as extremely rare for Boeing 737 aircraft. The incident highlights critical safety concerns regarding cockpit equipment security during high-vibration flight phases.