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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."
