What began as a routine flight from Aspen, Colorado to Houston, Texas, turned into a terrifying ordeal for 39 passengers when SkyWest Flight 5971 suddenly plunged thousands of feet in the air.
The violent turbulence forced the aircraft to divert and make an emergency landing, leaving passengers shaken and sending two to the hospital.
Sudden Drop in Altitude
Approximately 90 minutes after takeoff, the flight encountered severe weather near Fort Worth, Texas.
In a matter of seconds, the plane dropped from its cruising altitude of 39,000 feet to 34,650 feet, jolting passengers violently.
Some passengers were thrown into the ceiling, and oxygen masks deployed as belongings flew through the cabin.
“Someone in front of me hit the ceiling several times,” one passenger told ABC.
“I looked down and there was a cellphone in my lap that wasn’t mine. I guess it flew up and landed there.”
Another described seeing a grown man “fly up like a rag doll” as turbulence tossed people around the cabin.
Emergency Landing in Austin
With the plane struggling against the rough air, pilots diverted to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, approximately 165 miles short of the original destination.
FlightRadar24 data shows the aircraft descended more than 25,000 feet over six minutes as it made its way to safety.
A pilot reportedly communicated with air traffic control, saying, “We’re going to need a stretcher, and there is bleeding as well,” highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
Passengers and Crew Evaluated
Emergency responders were on hand when the plane landed and assessed all 39 passengers and four crew members for injuries.
Two passengers were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries “out of an abundance of caution,” according to an Austin-Bergstrom International Airport spokesperson.
SkyWest emphasized that the safety and well-being of everyone on board is their highest priority.
A spokesperson told CNN, “We are working with our partner United to assist customers.”
Authorities are investigating the incident, and the Daily Mail has reached out to SkyWest and the FAA for further comment.
