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A Delta regional jet pilot issued an apology to passengers after executing an "aggressive maneuver" to avoid a potential collision with a B-52 bomber near Minot, North Dakota, on Friday (July 18). The incident occurred on SkyWest Flight 3788, operating as a Delta Connection from Minneapolis to Minot.
The B-52 Stratofortress, known for its large size and heavy bomber capabilities, was in the vicinity of the much smaller Embraer 175 regional jet. As the flight approached Minot, the pilot suddenly turned the aircraft sharply to the right to avoid the bomber, passenger Monica Green told ABC News.
"All of a sudden we just jerk really hard to the right -- we just kept taking more turns and more turns," Green explained.
Once safely on the ground, the pilot explained the situation to passengers, stating that the maneuver was necessary due to the unexpected presence of the B-52, which was moving at a much higher speed. The pilot expressed surprise at the lack of prior warning, noting that the Air Force base has radar capabilities.
The B-52, assigned to Minot Air Force Base, was conducting a flyover for the North Dakota State Fair, scheduled around the same time as the SkyWest flight's landing. Both SkyWest Airlines and the Air Force are investigating the incident. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is also gathering information, although the air traffic control tower at Minot was operated by a contractor, Midwest ATC, rather than directly by the FAA.