A Delta Connection regional jet pilot apologized to passengers after making an abrupt maneuver to avoid a U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber while approaching Minot, North Dakota. The incident took place on July 18 during SkyWest Airlines Flight 3788, operating on behalf of Delta Air Lines, traveling from Minneapolis, Minnesota to Minot. According to SkyWest Airlines, the Embraer E175 was on approach to Minot International Airport after receiving clearance from the control tower.
However, the pilot performed a go-around after another aircraft unexpectedly appeared in their flight path. SkyWest confirmed the flight landed safely and said the close call is under investigation. The Federal Aviation Administration said it is gathering information but noted the tower at Minot was being operated by a contractor, not by FAA personnel directly. The U.S. Air Force acknowledged that a B-52 bomber assigned to Minot Air Force Base conducted a scheduled flyover of the North Dakota State Fair on the same evening around 7:40 p.m., coinciding with the SkyWest flight’s landing attempt.
A spokesperson for the Air Force said the matter is under review. Audio from the pilot, shared on social media, captured his explanation to passengers. He described how the B-52 was “kind of, sort of coming at us” and that no one had informed the crew of the bomber’s presence. He said after reporting to the tower six miles out, he was instructed to turn right but noticed the aircraft on his right side. Air traffic control then directed a left turn. The pilot noted the military aircraft was moving significantly faster and he made the decision to turn behind it for safety.
SkyWest and Air Force investigate close call near Minot
The pilot expressed his surprise over the lack of coordination between the control tower and military operations. “So sorry about the aggressive maneuver,” he told passengers. “It caught me by surprise. This is not normal at all.” He added, “Long story short, it was not fun, but I do apologize for it, and thank you for understanding.” The pilot’s transparency was met with applause from passengers. Passenger Monica Green, seated near the front of the aircraft, recounted the sudden turn, likening it to a U-turn.
She praised the pilot’s honesty, noting it made her feel more at ease despite the unsettling experience. She said passengers remained calm, though she personally felt anxious as the plane circled the airport multiple times before landing. The B-52 Stratofortress is a heavy bomber capable of high subsonic speeds at altitudes up to 50,000 feet. Its imposing size contrasts sharply with the smaller Embraer E175 regional jet involved in this incident. – By Content Syndication Services.