Delta Pilot Makes 'Aggressive Maneuver' To Avoid B-52 Bomber: What To Know
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A Delta pilot had to make an "aggressive maneuver" to avoid colliding with a U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress.
Delta Air Lines flight DL3788 was traveling from Minneapolis-Saint Paul to Minot International Airport on July 18 when the near-miss happened.
Why it Matters
The near-collision highlights coordination issues between military and civilian aviation authorities in jointly used airspaces, particularly surrounding Minot Air Force Base, underscoring the risks facing commercial flights in areas with significant military activity.
What To Know
Delta flight DL3788, operated by SkyWest, was on a routine 90-minute trip between Minneapolis and Minot, North Dakota.
During approach, air traffic controllers instructed the Embraer E175 jet to change direction because of inadequate separation from a preceding aircraft, according to aviation news and media publication Aviation A2Z.
While executing this change, the pilot and crew spotted a rapidly approaching B-52 bomber on a converging course.
The pilot, who received no prior warning about the military aircraft, made a hard turn behind the bomber—a decision described as an "aggressive maneuver"—to avert a collision. The flight circled Minot airport before safely landing without further incident.
The Delta pilot told passengers after the move: "Given his speed…I don't know how fast they were going, but they were a lot faster than us. I felt it was the safest thing to do to turn behind it. So sorry about the aggressive maneuver, it caught me by surprise, this is not normal at all."
"I don't know why they didn't give us a heads up, because the Air Force base does have radar," he said, according to ABC News.
"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.
SkyWest Airlines confirmed that the pilot "performed a go-around when another aircraft became visible in their flight path."
According to Aviation A2Z, Minot International Airport lacks its own radar system, relying on visual confirmation for separation during approach. The proximity of Minot Air Force Base, which hosts B-52s, means that joint airspace management is critical for preventing incidents of this kind.
Who People Are Saying
Passenger Monica Green described the atmosphere on board the Embraer as "weirdly calm," telling local reporters: "We took a really hard turn, and that's when the pilot got on the intercom and said, 'Sorry everybody, I'll explain everything when we land safely.'…He was nice and detailed. It felt good that they weren't just going to brush it off."
A U.S. Air Force spokesperson said: "We are aware of the recent reporting regarding commercial and Air Force aircraft operating in airspace around Minot International Airport. We are currently looking into the matter. We can confirm that a B-52 aircraft assigned to Minot AFB conducted a flyover of the North Dakota State Fair Friday evening."
A SkyWest spokesperson said: "SkyWest flight 3788, operating as Delta Connection from Minneapolis, Minnesota to Minot, North Dakota, landed safely…but performed a go-around when another aircraft became visible in their flight path. We are investigating the incident"
What Happens Next
Both SkyWest Airlines and the FAA are conducting formal investigations to determine the factors that contributed to the near-collision, including the adequacy of communication between military and civilian air traffic controllers.
The Air Force has not yet disclosed details regarding the B-52's flight plan or the specifics of coordination with Minot International Airport.
Federal and airline officials have emphasized that continuous improvement of communication and coordination is necessary to ensure that such near-collisions remain extremely rare.
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