A Delta regional jet on its approach to Minot, North Dakota, executed an aggressive maneuver to avoid a potential mid-air collision with a B-52 bomber, according to the pilot's account. This dramatic incident occurred on July 18, as reported by the airline, and has raised concerns about air traffic safety in the area.
The flight, which was operated by SkyWest, had just departed from Minneapolis when it encountered the B-52 bomber. Upon landing, the pilot addressed the passengers, apologizing for the abrupt maneuver and providing insight into the situation. "Given his speed ... I don't know how fast they were going, but they were a lot faster than us," he said. The pilot emphasized that he felt it was safest to turn behind the military aircraft to avoid a possible collision.
In a recorded conversation, the pilot expressed his surprise at the situation, stating, "So sorry about the aggressive maneuver, it caught me by surprise. This is not normal at all." He also questioned the lack of communication prior to the encounter, mentioning that the nearby Air Force base does have radar capabilities. "Long story short, it was not fun, but I do apologize for it and thank you for understanding. Not a fun day at work," he added, highlighting the stress of the experience for both himself and the passengers.
As of now, it remains unclear how close the two aircraft came to each other, and whether any cockpit alarms were activated to indicate the potential for a collision. Minot is notably home to an Air Force base that houses B-52 bombers, which adds an extra layer of complexity to the airspace in the region.
The US Air Force has yet to release any information regarding the incident to ABC News, leaving many questions unanswered about the safety protocols in place during such encounters. Meanwhile, SkyWest has confirmed that it is investigating the incident. A spokesperson stated, “SkyWest flight 3788, operating as Delta Connection from Minneapolis, Minnesota to Minot, North Dakota, landed safely in Minot after being cleared for approach by the tower but performed a go-around when another aircraft became visible in their flight path. We are investigating the incident.”
This incident underscores the importance of communication and situational awareness in aviation. As investigations continue, both SkyWest and the Air Force are likely to review their protocols to ensure the safety of all flights operating in and around military airspace.
