A SkyWest Airlines flight en route from Springfield, Missouri, to Houston, Texas, was forced to make an emergency landing in Waco, Texas, on Sunday evening after encountering severe turbulence. Five passengers sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transferred to the hospital for treatment.
Emergency landing following severe turbulence
SkyWest flight 5690, which departed Springfield at 4:50 pm, was scheduled to arrive in Houston later that evening. However, flight tracking data from FlightAware indicates that the aircraft was diverted to Waco Regional Airport, landing at 6:30 pm, following turbulence that injured multiple passengers.
According to the National Weather Service, thunderstorms in Fort Worth, Texas, may have contributed to the incident by affecting the flight’s path.
Local news outlet Springfield News-Leader reported that the aircraft—a Bombardier CRJ-200—was carrying 32 people, including 29 passengers and three crew members, at the time of the turbulence.
Severe turbulence on SkyWest #UA5690 (CRJ-200, N920EV) from Springfield to Houston led to a safe diversion to Waco.
— Antony Ochieng,KE✈️ (@Turbinetraveler) March 3, 2025
5 passengers sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
A replacement CRJ-200 (N910EV) resumed the flight,arriving in Houston ~6.5 hours late.
N920EV remains in Waco. pic.twitter.com/dyto50Jsi6
Upon landing, five passengers were transported to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment. Ryan Dirker, emergency management coordinator for the McLennan County Office, confirmed that none of the injuries were life-threatening. “The rest of the folks, a great majority of them, are still at the airport trying to figure out next steps”, Dirker told Springfield News-Leader.
Later in the evening, SkyWest Airlines issued a statement addressing the incident.
“SkyWest flight 5690, operating as United Express from Springfield, MO, to Houston, landed safely at Waco Regional Airport after experiencing turbulence,” a SkyWest Airlines spokesperson told KXXV. “Medical personnel met and evaluated passengers, and five passengers were transported to the hospital. SkyWest and United are ensuring injured customers get the care they need and are working to line up new transportation options for everyone on this flight.”
Michael A. Reisman, Interim Director of Aviation at Waco Regional Airport, stated that the aircraft would remain in Waco for approximately 24 hours to allow for a full inspection. The injured passengers were later treated, released, and able to continue their journey to Houston in the early hours of Monday, he told KRQE News.
Other flights also affected by severe weather
On Sunday, two additional American Airlines flights were forced to land in Waco due to adverse weather conditions. “Due to storms at DFW, two flights briefly diverted to Waco and later re-departed,” an American Airlines spokesperson said in a statement to CNN.
The incident highlights the ongoing impact of severe weather on air travel, with turbulence-related diversions becoming an increasing concern for airlines and passengers alike.
