SkyWest flight injured passengers due to severe turbulence incident

On August 28, 2025, a significant aviation incident occurred when SkyWest Airlines flight 5971, operating as United Express, faced severe turbulence while en route from Aspen, Colorado, to Houston, Texas. Approximately 90 minutes after takeoff, the flight, which had 39 passengers and four crew members onboard, experienced a rapid drop of about 4,000 feet within a minute. The turbulence and a pressurization issue prompted the pilot to alter the aircraft's course toward Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, leading to a swift descent of over 25,000 feet in just six minutes. Upon landing at around 8 p.m. local time, the aircraft was greeted by medical personnel who were prepared to assist those on board. Reports confirmed at least one passenger was injured and bleeding, which led the pilot to request a stretcher for the affected individual. Subsequently, two passengers were transported to local hospitals for evaluation, although their injuries were reported as non-life-threatening. Despite the difficulties experienced in the air, the flight managed to land safely as per the crew's diligence and quick decision-making. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated that they would conduct an investigation into the incident to determine the factors that contributed to such turbulence. This event highlights the unpredictable nature of turbulence, a phenomenon that increasingly poses risks to flights, particularly as global temperatures rise. Airline officials emphasized the priority of passenger and crew safety and assured that they were coordinating with their partner, United Airlines, to support all affected customers. While turbulence can be attributed to various weather disturbances, continued increases in such phenomena due to climate change have raised concerns about airline operations in the future. As the authorities investigate this incident, it serves as a critical reminder of the need for diligent safety protocols in the aviation industry, especially with the growing unpredictability of weather patterns that impact flying conditions. The aviation community is keenly aware of these changes and must prepare to mitigate risks associated with more severe turbulence occurrences in the future.