A Delta Airlines pilot executed an aggressive maneuver to avoid a near collision with a B-52 bomber over North Dakota on Friday. The Air Force confirmed that the B-52 was on an approved flight path at the time of the incident. The event occurred during a planned flyover at the North Dakota State Fair, which had been pre-approved by the FAA. The B-52 crew communicated regularly with air traffic control throughout the operation, following all necessary checklists and procedures.
According to the Air Force statement, the B-52 crew initially contacted Minot Approach Control (RAPCON) at approximately 7:10 p.m. to prepare for the flyover. Required checklists were completed, and the crew remained in contact with RAPCON as they flew to their holding point, 12 miles east of the fairgrounds. During the holding phase, the B-52 crew communicated the flyover plan to both RAPCON and the Minot International Airport’s air traffic control tower.
At 7:43 p.m., Minot Approach directed the B-52 crew to contact Minot International Airport’s air traffic control tower. The B-52 crew then received instructions to continue 2 miles westbound after the flyover, but the tower did not advise the crew of any inbound commercial aircraft. This lack of communication led to the Delta pilot’s sudden maneuver to avoid a collision with the B-52.
The pilot of the SkyWest Airlines flight, which operated as Delta Connection from Minneapolis to Minot, North Dakota, executed the maneuver to avoid the B-52. The pilot later explained the incident to passengers in a viral video, apologizing for the aggressive maneuver and expressing frustration over the lack of warning. The flight, which was carrying passengers from Minneapolis to Minot, circled Minot International Airport several times before landing safely. The FAA confirmed that it is investigating the incident.
While the incident was not related to a specific financial impact on airlines or stock markets, it highlights the potential risks involved in air traffic coordination between military and civilian aircraft. The FAA spokesperson noted the Delta flight was cleared for approach by the tower, but the pilot performed a go-around when another aircraft became visible in the flight path. The Air Force emphasized that the B-52 crew followed all procedures and maintained communication with air traffic control throughout the flyover.
A video of the pilot’s explanation to passengers has gone viral, with many expressing concern over the close call. The pilot’s comments indicate that the situation was both unexpected and dangerous, raising questions about the effectiveness of communication and coordination between military and civilian aviation authorities. The FAA’s ongoing investigation aims to determine whether there were any procedural gaps that contributed to the incident.