Overview
• Operator: SkyWest Airlines (on behalf of United)
• Aircraft Model: Canadair CRJ-200
• Registration: N920EV
• Flight Number: UA-5690
• Route: Springfield, MO (SGF) to Houston Intercontinental, TX (IAH)
• Date: 2 March 2025
• Occupants: 29 passengers, 3 crew
• Casualties: Five injuries (non-life-threatening)
• Nature of Incident: Severe turbulence resulting in injuries and emergency diversion
Incident Summary
A SkyWest CRJ-200 operating United flight UA-5690 from Springfield, Missouri, to Houston, Texas, encountered severe turbulence at FL270 (27,000 feet) approximately 30 nautical miles northeast of Waco, Texas.
The turbulence caused injuries to five people on board, leading the crew to declare an emergency and divert to Waco Regional Airport (ACT).
The aircraft landed safely on Runway 19 approximately 25 minutes after encountering the turbulence.
Emergency services attended to the injured passengers and crew, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
A replacement aircraft (CRJ-200, registration N910EV) was dispatched from Houston, resuming the flight and reaching Houston with a delay of approximately 6.5 hours.
The occurrence aircraft remains grounded in Waco as of 15 hours post-landing.
Sequence of Events
Pre-Incident Conditions:
• The flight departed Springfield normally and was cruising at FL270.
• Weather conditions along the route included convective activity, with reports of turbulence at various altitudes.
• There were no initial warnings of severe turbulence in the area.
Turbulence Encounter & Emergency Response:
• The aircraft experienced sudden and severe turbulence at FL270, approximately 30 miles northeast of Waco, Texas.
• Five occupants sustained injuries due to the unexpected turbulence.
• The crew declared an emergency and requested an immediate diversion to Waco.
• The aircraft descended and landed safely on Runway 19 about 25 minutes later.
Aftermath:
• Emergency medical teams assessed and treated the injured passengers and crew.
• A replacement CRJ-200 was dispatched from Houston, completing the journey with a 6.5-hour delay.
• The occurrence aircraft remained on the ground in Waco for further inspection.
Investigation & Findings
Possible Causes of the Incident:
The official cause is under investigation, but turbulence-related injuries often result from:
1. Clear Air Turbulence (CAT) – Rapid, unpredictable air movements in clear air, often undetectable by radar.
2. Convective Turbulence – Associated with thunderstorms or developing storm systems.
3. Jet Stream Wind Shear – Rapid changes in wind speed and direction at high altitudes.
4. Mountain Wave Turbulence – Possible if terrain-induced air movements affected upper-level winds.
Impact of the Incident:
• Five occupants sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
• The aircraft was grounded for post-incident inspection.
• Passengers were delayed by approximately 6.5 hours.
Analysis & Safety Recommendations
For Airlines & Flight Crews:
• Enhance weather monitoring and turbulence forecasting to better anticipate areas of potential danger.
• Improve communication with passengers regarding turbulence risks and the importance of seatbelt use.
• Review and reinforce crew protocols for managing turbulence events.
For Passengers:
• Keep seatbelts fastened at all times while seated, even when the seatbelt sign is off.
• Follow crew instructions promptly during turbulence events.
For Aviation Authorities:
• Continue research into better turbulence prediction models.
• Encourage real-time pilot reporting of turbulence encounters to assist other aircraft in the area.
Conclusion
This incident highlights the unpredictable nature of turbulence and the importance of seatbelt use for passenger safety.
While the injuries were non-life-threatening, the event reinforces the need for enhanced turbulence detection and reporting systems.
The airline’s response, including the emergency diversion and dispatching of a replacement aircraft, ensured passenger safety and minimized disruption.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the turbulence encounter and whether additional safety measures should be implemented.
Disclaimer
“This report is based on available information as of 4 March 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the completeness of the details cannot be guaranteed. If you are the rightful owner of any referenced materials and wish them removed, please email takedown@cockpitking.com.”
