Severe Turbulence Injures 2 Passengers on SkyWest Flight Diverted to Austin

A SkyWest Airlines Embraer E175 operating as United Express flight 5971 from Aspen, Colorado, to Houston, Texas, was forced to divert to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport on August 28, 2025, after encountering severe turbulence that left two passengers injured.

The aircraft, carrying 45 passengers and 4 crew, was cruising at 39,000 feet when it suddenly dropped nearly 4,000 feet in less than a minute, according to FlightAware data. The jet continued to lose altitude before stabilizing and diverting safely to Austin, where it landed on runway 18R at around 8 p.m. local time.

Austin-Travis County EMS evaluated all 39 passengers and 4 crew on arrival, confirming that two adults were transported to local hospitals. Officials said no injuries were considered life-threatening. Audio captured by LiveATC.net revealed the pilot advising air traffic control before landing: “We will need a stretcher … I know that there is bleeding as well.” Emergency responders were standing by when the flight arrived.

The FAA later classified the incident as an accident, noting that the aircraft also experienced a pressurization issue. “Two passengers received serious injuries,” the agency said, adding that a full investigation is underway.

SkyWest Airlines confirmed the event, stating: “The flight landed safely and was met with medical personnel upon arrival. Our highest priority is the safety and well-being of all onboard, and we are working with our partner United to assist customers.”

The Embraer E175 aircraft, registered N110SY, remained grounded in Austin for more than 16 hours following the incident.

This event comes just weeks after a Delta Air Lines flight from Salt Lake City to Amsterdam was diverted to Minneapolis when 25 passengers were hospitalized after similar turbulence.

According to the FAA, turbulence remains one of the most common in-flight hazards, often occurring without warning. A 2023 study by the American Geophysical Union found that skies today are 55% bumpier than they were four decades ago, with climate change-linked jet stream shifts expected to increase clear-air turbulence worldwide.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, avherald.com