2 Passengers Injured After SkyWest Flight Hits Severe Turbulence, Pilot Confirms ‘There Is Bleeding’

Two SkyWest Passengers Injured After Severe Turbulence

Two passengers on a recent SkyWest Airlines flight were left seriously injured after the aircraft encountered severe turbulence, as confirmed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The flight in question, SkyWest flight 5971, was en route from Aspen, Colorado, to Houston on the evening of Thursday, August 28. However, due to the intense turbulence experienced mid-flight, the Embraer E175 aircraft had to divert to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport where it landed safely around 8 p.m. local time, according to FAA reports.

During the journey, approximately 90 minutes after takeoff, the aircraft suddenly dropped nearly 4,000 feet in less than a minute, based on flight data from FlightAware. The plane continued to lose altitude over the next 10 minutes before the decision was made to divert the flight to Austin for the safety of all passengers and crew on board.

As the aircraft prepared for landing, the pilot communicated the urgent need for medical assistance for the injured passengers to air traffic control. An audio recording captured the pilot stating, “We will need a stretcher… I know that there is bleeding as well.” As a result, emergency services were promptly arranged to be at the airport upon the plane’s arrival.

A SkyWest spokesperson later addressed the incident, stating, “The flight landed safely and was met with medical personnel upon arrival. Our highest priority is the safety and well-being of all onboard, and we are working with our partner United to assist customers.” Furthermore, a representative from the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport indicated that Austin-Travis County EMS (ATCEMS) attended to 39 passengers and 4 crew members for potential injuries, with two adult patients being transferred to local hospitals as a precaution. Fortunately, no injuries were deemed life-threatening.

Incidents of turbulence, described as the irregular and abrupt movement of air that can impact an aircraft’s stability, occur unpredictably and can pose risks to passengers and crew. According to a study by the American Geophysical Union, air turbulence has been on the rise, with clear-air turbulence (CAT) expected to become more frequent in the future. This increase in turbulence is attributed to climate change effects such as warmer air creating stronger winds, escalating turbulence rates globally.

The aviation industry will need to adapt to these changing conditions to ensure passenger safety and mitigate the financial implications of increased turbulence-related disruptions. In a related incident, a Delta Air Lines flight had to be diverted after encountering significant turbulence, underscoring the importance of preparedness and response protocols onboard flights facing adverse weather conditions.

With air travel being a vital mode of transportation for millions worldwide, the focus on ensuring safe and secure flights remains paramount for both airlines and regulatory authorities. As incidents of turbulence become more prevalent, proactive measures and enhanced training for flight crews may play a crucial role in mitigating risks and ensuring passenger well-being during air travel.

In conclusion, the recent turbulence-related injuries on the SkyWest flight serve as a reminder of the challenges posed by unforeseen weather phenomena during air travel. As the industry continues to monitor and adapt to the changing dynamics of atmospheric conditions, prioritizing passenger safety and response readiness will be key in maintaining the integrity of air transportation services.