Unexpected Maneuver by Pilot Prevents Potential Collision with B-52 Bomber Over North Dakota
BISMARCK, N.D. — A recent flight over North Dakota experienced a sudden and sharp turn as the pilot sought to avoid a possible midair collision with a military B-52 bomber. This incident occurred on Friday as Delta Flight 3788 was approaching Minot International Airport.
A passenger captured the moment on video, where the SkyWest pilot was heard explaining over the intercom that he had to make a hard bank after spotting the bomber on his flight path. “Sorry about the aggressive maneuver. It caught me by surprise,” the pilot remarked. He expressed concern over the lack of prior notification about the bomber’s presence.
The Air Force confirmed that the B-52, based at nearby Minot Air Force Base, was conducting a flyover for the North Dakota State Fair on the same day. An Air Force spokesperson stated they are looking into the situation to ensure better future coordination between military and civilian flights.
This incident appears amid increased scrutiny on military and civilian airspace interactions, especially following a tragic midair collision in Washington, D.C., which resulted in the loss of all on board both aircraft. That event raised alarms about air safety and the communication practices between military and civilian aviation, underscoring the importance of air traffic control awareness.
SkyWest, operating the flight, reported that the flight had departed from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and landed safely in Minot after executing a go-around due to another aircraft entering their flight path. The Minot Air Force Base is located just north of Minot and hosts a fleet of B-52 bombers and thousands of military personnel.
During the incident, the pilot noted that the small Minot airport lacks radar facilities and relies on visual guidance for flight directions. In his explanation, he mentioned that after the tower instructed him to turn right upon approach, he spotted the B-52. He informed the tower and promptly changed course to avoid the bomber.
“I don’t know how fast they were going, but they were a lot faster than us,” he said about the bomber, to the cheers of relieved passengers as he concluded his comments.
As attention grows on this safety concern, both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and SkyWest are investigating the incident further. The FAA has pointed out that the Minot airport utilizes services from a private air traffic control provider, which operates without direct FAA employees on-site.
In their statements, officials are stressing the need for improved communication and systems at small airports, especially when military aircraft are involved. This type of incident underlines critical issues in aviation safety and the necessity for responsible air traffic management across the board.
