Passenger Jet Forced Into “Aggressive Maneuver” to Avoid Mid-Air Collision with B-52 Over North Dakota
CBS Evening News / YouTube
On July 18, a regional Delta flight operated by SkyWest Airlines came dangerously close to a mid-air collision with a U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber over North Dakota. The commercial plane, traveling from Minneapolis-Saint Paul to Minot International Airport, was forced into an unexpected evasive maneuver during its approach. The event was confirmed by the pilot and later backed up by passenger accounts and recordings.
This close call has drawn new attention to concerns over flight safety, especially in areas near military bases. Passengers onboard the short 90-minute flight were shaken by what unfolded just miles from landing.
The Near Miss
SkyWest flight 3788 had received clearance to approach Minot International Airport when the crew noticed another aircraft in their direct path. The airline later confirmed the plane had to perform a “go-around” after spotting another aircraft becoming visible too close for comfort. The pilot chose to delay landing and circle back for safety. The flight eventually landed without physical incident.
After landing, the pilot explained the situation to passengers, and a recording of the speech was posted to Instagram. NBC News later verified the recording. Monica Green, a passenger, told NBC she felt physically sick knowing how close the two planes were.
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Pilot’s Account of What Happened
According to the pilot, the crew had no warning about the presence of the B-52 bomber. The pilot noted that air traffic controllers in the area were operating without radar, relying only on visual spacing. This meant the flight was instructed to approach from about six miles out, assuming the airspace was clear.
The pilot said he looked to the right and saw another aircraft unexpectedly in their path. At first, he thought it was a small plane but quickly realized it was a military aircraft flying at a much higher speed. The timing and position made the encounter far more serious.
Watch the video below:
Decision to Avoid the Bomber
After seeing the approaching aircraft, the pilot said he received conflicting directions from air traffic controllers. He made the decision to take control and maneuver behind the B-52, believing this was the safest option. He described the maneuver as “aggressive” and admitted it caught him by surprise.
He also expressed frustration that no one from the base or tower warned them of the bomber’s presence. The nearby military base has radar capability, yet no alert was given to the Delta flight that another plane was in the area. He apologized to passengers and described the experience as deeply unpleasant.
Ongoing Investigations and Safety Concerns
SkyWest said they are investigating the incident, and the FAA has been approached for comment. Delta referred inquiries back to SkyWest. As of now, the exact distance between the two aircraft remains unknown.
This is the latest of several serious aviation incidents in the U.S. In January, 67 people died when an Army Black Hawk helicopter collided with an American Airlines passenger jet over the Potomac River in Washington, D.C.
