A United Airlines flight en route to Houston, Texas had to make an emergency landing in Waco, Texas on March 2, 2025. According to reports, SkyWest Flight 5690 (operating as United Express) experienced major turbulence forcing it to land. There were a total of 29 passengers on board, with at least five passengers sustaining injuries that required them to be taken to a local hospital. At the time, a storm front was in the area. Additional details have not yet been released.
Turbulence remains one of the most unpredictable and potentially dangerous aspects of commercial air travel, as demonstrated by the emergency landing of SkyWest Flight 5690 in Waco, Texas. The United Express flight, en route to George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, encountered severe turbulence due to a storm front in the area, forcing an unscheduled landing and resulting in injuries to at least five passengers. While turbulence is a common occurrence in flight, severe cases can lead to significant injuries, structural strain on the aircraft, and the need for emergency landings. This incident underscores the risks turbulence poses to both passengers and crew members, particularly when flights encounter unstable weather conditions.
One of the primary dangers of turbulence is its sudden and unpredictable nature. Even with modern forecasting technology, pilots cannot always anticipate when or how severe turbulence will be, especially when flying near storm systems. This unpredictability can make it difficult for passengers and crew to prepare, increasing the risk of injuries when individuals are not securely seated with their seatbelts fastened. In cases of extreme turbulence, even those who are seated can be thrown violently against their restraints, potentially causing head, neck, or spinal injuries.
Another significant concern is the impact of turbulence on flight operations. Severe turbulence can temporarily reduce a pilot’s ability to maintain control of the aircraft, affecting altitude stability and flight path. In extreme cases, it can cause sudden drops in altitude, making it especially dangerous for smaller regional aircraft such as the one involved in this incident. While commercial jets are designed to withstand significant turbulence, persistent rough air can put stress on the aircraft’s structure and components, increasing the risk of mechanical complications.
Passengers who are not properly restrained during turbulence face a heightened risk of injury. Common turbulence-related injuries include concussions, broken bones, and lacerations caused by being thrown into overhead bins, armrests, or other passengers. Flight attendants, who often move around the cabin to assist passengers, are particularly vulnerable. This is why airlines emphasize the importance of wearing seatbelts at all times when seated, even when the seatbelt sign is turned off. The injuries on SkyWest Flight 5690 highlight how dangerous severe turbulence can be, even for those aboard a relatively short regional flight.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of why turbulence safety measures are critical in commercial aviation. Pilots and air traffic controllers work to minimize exposure to turbulent air by adjusting flight paths, but unpredictable weather conditions can still lead to dangerous situations. Passengers should always follow safety protocols, keep their seatbelts fastened, and remain vigilant during flights, particularly when storms are present. As investigations continue into this emergency landing, the event highlights the ongoing challenges posed by turbulence and the need for continued improvements in forecasting, aircraft design, and passenger safety awareness.
There have been a number of recent plane accidents in 2025. A Rockwell Commander crashed after taking off from the Covington Municipal Airport in Georgia on February 15, 2025. A Cessna 172 crashed near the Pearland Regional Airport in Texas on February 16, 2025. Delta Airlines Flight 4819 crashed during landing at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport on February 17, 2025. Two people were killed in a midair collision between two planes near Tucson, Arizona on February 19, 2025. A Grumman American AA-5A Cheetah crashed after an engine stall during takeoff in Gladewater, Texas on February 17, 2025.
If you have been injured due to severe turbulence on a commercial flight, consulting with an experienced aviation attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options. Airlines and operators have a duty to prioritize passenger safety, and in some cases, injuries caused by turbulence may be linked to negligence, such as failing to warn passengers, improperly securing cabin items, or inadequate crew response. A legal professional can investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, determine potential liability, and help you pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Given the complexities of aviation law and airline liability, seeking legal guidance is essential to ensure you receive the justice and support you deserve.
The attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm are licensed in Texas, Florida, New Mexico, and New York, and have experience handling aviation cases across the country. Our firm has successfully represented clients in both federal and state courts in cases involving critical equipment failures on airplanes and helicopters. Aviation accidents can have devastating and life-altering consequences, underscoring the importance of strict safety standards and accountability. We are dedicated to seeking justice for those who have suffered serious injuries in crashes, as well as for families who have lost loved ones in tragic air disasters.
If you or a loved one has been affected by an aviation accident, Spagnoletti Law Firm is here to provide trusted legal guidance and aggressive representation. We are committed to holding responsible parties accountable and securing the compensation you deserve. Contact us online or call 713-804-9306 today to learn more about your legal rights and options.