US Edition2 Injured when Houston-Bound SkyWest Flight Hits Turbulence and Diverts to Austin, Texas
The flight dropped about 4,000 feet rapidly due to turbulence and pressurization problems, leading to an emergency landing where two passengers were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
- United Express flight UA5971 declared an emergency after severe turbulence and diverted to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, landing safely on Thursday.
- Flight data from Flightradar24 indicates about 90 minutes into the flight the aircraft dropped 4,000 feet in under a minute, then descended over 25,000 feet in six minutes experiencing a pressurization issue.
- Flight and operations data indicate 39 passengers and four crew members were aboard the Embraer E175, registration N110SY, on Aug. 28, with the crew squawking code 7700 to signal a general emergency.
- The Federal Aviation Administration said it is investigating the emergency, airport officials reported that Austin-Bergstrom International Airport operations were not significantly disrupted, and SkyWest Airlines said it is working with United Airlines while the remainder of the flight was canceled.
- Aviation analysts note that diversions like UA5971's are uncommon but reflect safety protocols; experts warn turbulence may rise due to climate change and aging aircraft amid a busy summer travel period.
23 Articles
23 Articles
Severe turbulence on plane sends two people on board to hospital
A regional jet from Aspen to Houston had to divert and land in Austin after dropping nearly 5,000 feet in a severe turbulence event. A passenger described one person on board bouncing up and hitting the ceiling twice. NBC News’ Tom Costello reports.
2 passengers sent to hospital after flight from Aspen hits 'severe' turbulence
DENVER (KDVR) — Two passengers were taken to the hospital on Thursday after a SkyWest flight heading from Aspen to Houston experienced turbulence, dropping more than 4,000 feet in less than a minute, according to a live flight tracker report. A SkyWest spokesperson said SkyWest flight 5971, operating as United Express, was heading from the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport to George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston before it was diverted to Au…
Why a SkyWest flight to Houston was diverted to Austin
AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Thursday, a SkyWest Airlines flight flew out of Colorado to Houston, but it was diverted to Austin instead of its planned destination. SkyWest said the flight was diverted to the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport “after experiencing turbulence.” According to the airline, SkyWest flight 5971 was operating as United Express at the time, and it was heading from Aspen to Houston's Bush Airport. “The flight landed safely and w…
Why a SkyWest flight was diverted to the Austin Airport
AUSTIN (KXAN) — On Thursday, a SkyWest Airlines flight flew out of Colorado, but it was diverted to Austin instead of its planned destination. SkyWest said the flight was diverted to the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport “after experiencing turbulence.” "After landing safely at AUS, Austin-Travis County EMS (ATCEMS) evaluated 39 passengers and 4 crew members for potential injuries. Two adult patients were transported to area hospitals out o…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 82% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
