File photo for reference only

 

Passengers aboard a Delta Connection flight received an unexpected shock as their pilot made an urgent manoeuvre to steer clear of a US Air Force B-52 bomber. The incident, involving SkyWest Flight 3788 from Minneapolis to Minot, left fliers startled yet safely landed, with the pilot offering apologies over the intercom for the abrupt, necessary action.

 

The drama unfolded as the regional jet neared its destination, cleared for approach, only to encounter another aircraft on its flight path. The pilot executed a swift turn to avoid the B-52, a decision made without prior warning from the air traffic control. Passengers felt the plane veer sharply, prompting immediate apologies from the cockpit.

 

Audio from the event captures the pilot explaining his quick reaction upon spotting the B-52 unexpectedly, remarking on its significantly higher speed. Despite the surprise, his decision to turn behind the fast-approaching bomber ensured everyone’s safety. He admitted to passengers that the manoeuvre was unanticipated yet necessary, concluding with thanks for their understanding and earning a round of applause for his transparency.

 

SkyWest Airlines has launched an investigation into the incident, while the Federal Aviation Administration works to compile additional data. Curiously, the FAA lacks a formal report, as the tower involved wasn’t under its domain.

 

Passenger Monica Green shared her surprise, likening the movement to a sudden "U-turn," while appreciating the pilot's clarity post-incident. Her relief echoed the sentiments on board, and travellers took comfort in the pilot’s honesty.

 

The B-52 Stratofortress, famed for its capabilities, is a long-range bomber able to fly at substantial altitudes and speeds, underscoring the pilot's quick judgement. As investigations continue, this close call remains a testament to prudent piloting under unforeseen circumstances.

 

The skill demonstrated during the tense moments over North Dakota is evident even as SkyWest investigates the accident. Both the Pentagon and Delta Air Lines have deferred comments to SkyWest, leaving ongoing queries hanging amid efforts to clarify how such a convergence occurred.

 

All eyes are now on the resultant findings, as industry experts await any lessons that might emerge from what was, thankfully, a safely resolved air scare.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from CNN 2025-07-22

 

 

It begs the question, is anyone monitoring US flight path safety?

 

2 hours ago, webfact said:

The B-52 Stratofortress, famed for its capabilities, is a long-range bomber able to fly at substantial altitudes and speeds,

Anything that flies at max. sub-sonic speed is not substantial speed.

45 minutes ago, Chomper Higgot said:

It begs the question, is anyone monitoring US flight path safety?

 

Yes....

1 hour ago, Chomper Higgot said:

It begs the question, is anyone monitoring US flight path safety?

 

trump will take care of it. sign his name in a big black book,,,,all good.

7 hours ago, dinsdale said:

Anything that flies at max. sub-sonic speed is not substantial speed.

It would feel substantial if you smack into it.

1 hour ago, soalbundy said:

It would feel substantial if you smack into it.

No doubt. So would being hit by a car doing 40kph.

9 hours ago, dinsdale said:

Anything that flies at max. sub-sonic speed is not substantial speed.

 

It is not supersonic but 650 knots is still impressive for a bomber type that first flew over 70 years ago. The "significantly higher speed" mentioned in the report is probably due the relatively slow speed of the Embraer on approach to Minot..

 

The 5th Bomb Wing is also based at Minot, in North Dakota, but at a separate field from the regional airport, with the latter having no radar of its own!

 

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/21/us/skywest-flight-collision-b52-north-dakota.html

 

"The air traffic control tower at the airport does not have radar, the pilot says in the video, but a nearby Air Force base does. “I don’t know why they didn’t give us a heads up,” he says. “Because the Air Force base does have radar, and nobody said, ‘Hey, there’s also a B-52 in the pattern.’"

7 minutes ago, nauseus said:

 

It is not supersonic but 650 knots is still impressive for a bomber type that first flew over 70 years ago. The "significantly higher speed" mentioned in the report is probably due the relatively slow speed of the Embraer on approach to Minot..

 

The 5th Bomb Wing is also based at Minot, in North Dakota, but at a separate field from the regional airport, with the latter having no radar of its own!

 

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/21/us/skywest-flight-collision-b52-north-dakota.html

 

"The air traffic control tower at the airport does not have radar, the pilot says in the video, but a nearby Air Force base does. “I don’t know why they didn’t give us a heads up,” he says. “Because the Air Force base does have radar, and nobody said, ‘Hey, there’s also a B-52 in the pattern.’"

One coming into land and one doing a flyover at a state fair. Neither would be flying fast. There's sure been a failure in air traffic communications though. Be interesting to see what comes out of this.

STATEMENT ON B-52 FLYOVER > Minot Air Force Base > Article Display

https://www.minot.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4251229/statement-on-b-52-flyover/

 

US Air Force, FAA responds to passenger plane-B-52 incident | News, Sports, Jobs - Minot Daily News

https://www.minotdailynews.com/news/local-news/2025/07/us-air-force-faa-responds-to-passenger-plane-b-52-incident/

14 hours ago, Chomper Higgot said:

It begs the question, is anyone monitoring US flight path safety?

 

Which begs another question, have DEI hires from the previous administration been let go yet?