Two SkyWest Passengers Hospitalized After Turbulence Diverts Flight from Houston to Austin

A SkyWest flight bound for Houston was diverted to Austin due to strong turbulence, resulting in two passengers being hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. The flight departed from Aspen, Colorado, at 4:43 pm local time and was expected to land in Houston at 7:22 pm. However, it landed in Austin at 8:03 pm, more than three hours later. Two adult passengers were transported to the hospital for evaluation, and air traffic control audio revealed that at least one passenger experienced bleeding and a stretcher was needed at the gate.

On Thursday evening, a Houston-bound SkyWest flight operating as United Express (flight 5971) encountered severe turbulence, leading to its diversion to Austin, Texas. The incident resulted in two passengers being hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. The flight departed from Aspen, Colorado, at 4:43 pm local time, but due to the turbulence, it was forced to land in Austin at 8:03 pm, more than three hours later than expected [1].

The turbulence, which is caused by disturbances like storms and mountains, led to the aircraft suddenly dropping about 4,000 feet in a minute and then altering its course towards Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. The rapid descent was over 25,000 feet over the next six minutes [1]. The flight landed safely and was met by medical personnel upon arrival.

Upon landing, Austin-Travis County EMS evaluated 39 passengers and four crew members for potential injuries. Two adult passengers were transported to area hospitals out of an abundance of caution, and medical authorities reported that no injuries were expected to be life-threatening [1]. Air traffic control audio revealed that at least one of the injured passengers experienced bleeding, and a stretcher was needed at the gate [2].

SkyWest stated that their highest priority is the safety and well-being of all onboard and they are working with their partner United to assist customers. The airline has not released any further details about the incident [1].

Turbulence is a common weather phenomenon that pilots must navigate, but it is becoming increasingly unpredictable and severe as the planet heats up [1]. This incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by airlines in maintaining safety and efficiency in the face of changing weather conditions.

References:
[1] https://abc7chicago.com/post/flight-5971-2-injured-when-united-express-skywest-aspen-houston-hits-turbulence-diverts-austin-texas/17693094/
[2] https://www.foxbusiness.com/fox-news-travel/2-skywest-passengers-hospitalized-after-turbulence-diverts-houston-bound-flight-austin