United Express flight diverts after severe turbulence injures two over Texas

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United Express flight diverts after severe turbulence injures two over Texas

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Scott Kirby, chief executive officer | United Airlines

By Sky Industry News

Sep 2, 2025

A United Express flight operated by SkyWest Airlines encountered severe turbulence over Texas while en route from Aspen to Houston on Thursday. The Embraer E175, designated as Flight 5971, was carrying 39 passengers and four crew members when it experienced a rapid descent of 4,000 feet in less than a minute near Fort Worth.

Flight data from Flightradar24 indicated the aircraft dropped from its cruising altitude of 39,000 feet to 34,650 feet in under 45 seconds. The flight crew declared an emergency by squawking 7700 and diverted the plane to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, where it landed safely.

SkyWest Airlines confirmed that two passengers were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. A spokesperson for the airline stated, "SkyWest flight 5971, operating as United Express from Aspen (ASE) to Houston (IAH), was diverted to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) after experiencing turbulence. The flight landed safely and was met by 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."

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Air traffic control audio captured one of the pilots requesting a stretcher for injured passengers and mentioning bleeding onboard. Social media posts from passengers described chaotic scenes during the incident, including reports of someone hitting the ceiling and another passenger losing teeth. Oxygen masks were deployed during the event.

After landing in Austin, the remainder of the flight was canceled. The Federal Aviation Administration has launched an investigation into the incident.

Turbulence-related fatalities on commercial flights are rare; since 1981 there have been only four documented deaths due to turbulence, according to BBC reporting https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-69173657. The most recent occurred in May 2024 on Singapore Airlines Flight 321 when severe turbulence resulted in over 140 injuries and one fatality.

Experts suggest that climate change may lead to more frequent turbulence events in coming decades, but advancements in forecasting technology could help mitigate risks.

United Airlines is a full-service carrier founded in 1931 with major hubs including Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Denver International Airport, Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport, San Francisco International Airport, Washington Dulles International Airport, and Guam International Airport.