When a Delta Connection flight came hair-raisingly close to a B-52 bomber, quick action by the pilot prevented disaster, but it left passengers and the public with troubling questions.
At a Glance
- Delta Connection flight narrowly avoided collision with a B-52 bomber.
- The incident occurred during a high-profile military flyover for the North Dakota State Fair.
- Minot airport tower lacks radar, complicating airspace management.
- Investigations by SkyWest and the U.S. Air Force are underway.
Near Miss Over North Dakota
The sky over Minot, North Dakota, witnessed a near-catastrophe on July 18, 2025, when SkyWest flight 3788, operating as Delta Connection, was forced into an aggressive maneuver to avoid colliding with a B-52 bomber. This incident occurred as the commercial flight was approaching Minot from Minneapolis, right in the middle of a scheduled military flyover for the North Dakota State Fair. The Minot airport tower’s lack of radar, relying solely on visual separation and coordination with other agencies, adds to the complexity and risk of such encounters.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ozw7Nb56Pls
Military flyovers are routine yet high-stakes operations, especially when they involve large, fast-moving aircraft like the B-52. The strategic bomber, a key component of U.S. nuclear deterrence, was conducting a flyover that required precise timing and coordination. However, the close call with the Delta flight raises concerns about the communication and coordination protocols between civilian and military air traffic controllers.
Stakeholders and Reactions
The incident involves several key stakeholders, each with different interests and levels of influence. SkyWest Airlines, operating the flight, and Delta Air Lines, as their brand partner, have a significant stake in resolving the situation without further reputational damage. The pilot, who made the decisive maneuver, holds operational authority but depends on air traffic control advisories.
Both SkyWest and the U.S. Air Force have initiated investigations. The pilot’s in-flight announcement, recorded and shared widely, underscores the surprise and urgency of the situation. Meanwhile, the U.S. Air Force has acknowledged the flyover but refrained from commenting further pending its investigation. The lack of immediate clarity on the B-52’s flight path or coordination details adds another layer of uncertainty.
Investigation and Implications
The ongoing investigations by SkyWest and the military are crucial to understanding the incident fully and preventing future occurrences. The immediate aftermath saw passengers alarmed but unharmed, thanks to the pilot’s swift action. However, the situation highlights serious gaps in airspace management, especially in areas where civilian airports lack radar capabilities.
The FAA and NTSB may come under pressure to review these protocols and consider radar coverage enhancements at similar joint-use airfields. While evasive maneuvers like the one executed are standard safety procedures, they should not be a routine fallback due to systemic shortcomings. Long-term changes might include updates to both policy and training for better coordination between military and civilian aviation sectors.
Broader Impact and Future Considerations
This incident does more than raise eyebrows; it places the spotlight on air safety, particularly near military bases. The potential for regulatory changes looms large if systemic issues are identified during the investigation. Public confidence in the safety of air travel, especially in areas with complex airspace, hangs in the balance.
The professionalism displayed by the flight crew likely prevented a tragic outcome, but the broader aviation community—both military and civilian—must address the vulnerabilities exposed by this near miss. As the investigations proceed, stakeholders will need to balance operational demands with safety imperatives, ensuring that future flyovers and commercial operations do not come perilously close again.