United Airlines Flight 5971 from Aspen to Houston suffered severe turbulence near Dallas-Fort Worth, making an emergency landing at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. The aircraft, operated by SkyWest Airlines, was en route when it encountered a sudden and violent drop of nearly 4,000 feet. The turbulence, caused by severe thunderstorms in North Texas, resulted in a terrifying experience for the 43 passengers and crew members on board. Two passengers were injured during the incident.
The turbulence came unexpectedly while the flight crossed the airspace near Dallas-Fort Worth, with the plane dropping more than 4,350 feet in less than a minute. Passengers reported screams, oxygen masks dropping, and the sudden shock of the descent. The crew quickly declared a "squawk 7700" emergency and diverted the flight to Austin, where the aircraft landed safely on Runway 18R at 8:00 pm. The prompt action of the flight crew ensured that all other passengers were safe.
This incident serves as a reminder of how powerful and unpredictable turbulence can be, especially when strong thunderstorms and air currents collide. For passengers and crew, it is a sharp reminder of the importance of adhering to safety guidelines during flight.
United Airlines Flight 5971 experienced a terrifying drop of nearly 4,000 feet on August 28, 2025. The incident occurred near Dallas-Fort Worth, with severe turbulence causing passengers to fear for their lives. The flight, operated by SkyWest Airlines, was en route from Aspen to Houston. After the plunge, the aircraft was diverted to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport for an emergency landing. The turbulence left two passengers injured, though thankfully no one else was harmed. Aviation experts believe the turbulence was likely caused by convectively induced turbulence from nearby thunderstorms.
Flight 5971 took off from Aspen at 5:02 pm local time, climbing to a cruising altitude of 39,000 feet. However, as the flight crossed the airspace near Dallas-Fort Worth, the aircraft encountered severe turbulence. Within less than a minute, the plane lost about 4,350 feet. Passengers reported screams and the sudden drop left some thinking they might not survive. Oxygen masks were deployed, and items were tossed around the cabin. A Bistro On Board menu was even found lodged in the ceiling. The turbulence was strong enough to create chaos inside the plane, even though passengers had been enjoying a smooth journey up until that point.
As the plane dropped suddenly, the cockpit crew reacted swiftly. They declared a "squawk 7700" emergency, signalling a distress call to air traffic control. The decision was made to divert the aircraft to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), which was about an hour away. Passengers were shaken by the unexpected experience, but the crew's quick decision-making ensured the situation did not worsen. The aircraft landed safely on Runway 18R around 8:00 pm. Medical personnel were waiting at the gate to assist the two passengers who had sustained injuries. Despite the shock and injury, the emergency response kept the situation under control, and the aircraft landed without further incident.
The severe turbulence on United Airlines Flight 5971 is believed to have been caused by convectively induced turbulence. This type of turbulence occurs when warm air rises and interacts with cooler air, often near the edges of storms. The aircraft was flying near strong evening thunderstorms in North Texas. The presence of a sagging cold front combined with active storm activity is known to cause dangerous turbulence, especially at higher altitudes. Aviation experts suggest that the turbulence was made worse by clear-air shear -- a shift in wind direction or speed that can affect aircraft stability at higher altitudes.
Turbulence of this magnitude is not only uncomfortable, it can also cause serious injuries. In this case, loose items in the cabin became projectiles. The turbulence was powerful enough to make passengers feel like the plane was out of control. The menu card stuck in the ceiling illustrates just how intense the vertical acceleration was. Items that were normally secured could suddenly fly into the air, creating a risk for everyone on board. In extreme cases like this, turbulence can result in passengers being thrown about, causing injury, or in some situations, even fatalities.
United Airlines Flight 5971 was operated by SkyWest Airlines, using an Embraer E175 aircraft. This regional jet, registered as N110SY, is commonly used for short-haul flights. The aircraft, powered by Rolls-Royce AE 3007 turbofan engines, is 11.3 years old and typically provides a comfortable flying experience. The aircraft's design allows it to handle a range of weather conditions. However, no plane is immune to the effects of turbulence, especially when flying near thunderstorms or unstable weather fronts. While the Embraer E175 is well-built for short trips, turbulence of this magnitude can still create dangerous scenarios.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), two passengers out of the 43 aboard the flight sustained injuries. This highlights how sudden turbulence can result in serious outcomes, even if it lasts for only a brief period. The FAA continues to study and monitor turbulence incidents, focusing on improving detection methods and aircraft safety systems. As more data becomes available, airlines and aircraft manufacturers are developing better ways to prepare and protect passengers. Modern aircraft are increasingly equipped with technology to help pilots avoid severe turbulence when possible. However, turbulence remains one of the more unpredictable risks in aviation.
The terrifying incident on United Airlines Flight 5971 serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of turbulence. Aviation experts continue to study methods to predict and avoid turbulence. In the meantime, airlines have improved crew training and passenger safety protocols. Passengers can help themselves by following safety instructions, including wearing seat belts when seated, even when the seat belt sign is off. Safety precautions like these can significantly reduce injury risks during turbulence. For airlines, ensuring aircraft are equipped with the latest turbulence-detection technologies is critical to protecting passengers.
Turbulence remains an ever-present challenge for the aviation industry, but the swift and professional response by the crew of United Airlines Flight 5971 helped avert a worse situation. While two passengers were injured, the incident served as a reminder of the powerful forces at play in the atmosphere. Pilots and crew members are trained to respond quickly and effectively in these situations. Passengers are urged to follow safety procedures to reduce the risk of injury. As turbulence continues to impact flights worldwide, the aviation industry is constantly adapting to improve safety and passenger comfort.