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Delta Pilot Apologizes for Maneuver Avoiding B-52 Bomber

Delta Pilot Apologizes for Maneuver Avoiding B-52 Bomber/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A Delta regional jet pilot made an abrupt turn to avoid a B-52 bomber during approach to Minot, North Dakota. The maneuver startled passengers, prompting the pilot to apologize over the intercom. The incident is under investigation by SkyWest Airlines and the FAA is gathering details.

A Delta Air Lines jet leaves the gate, Friday, July 19, 2024, at Logan International Airport in Boston. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

Delta Midair Scare + Quick Looks

  • SkyWest Flight 3788 forced into evasive turn near Minot
  • B-52 bomber suddenly appeared in jet’s flight path
  • Pilot described maneuver as “aggressive” but necessary
  • Passengers applauded pilot’s transparency after landing
  • Incident occurred outside FAA-controlled airspace
  • FAA gathering information; SkyWest investigating
  • B-52 known for high speed, heavy payload capacity
  • Pentagon and Delta referred inquiries to SkyWest

Delta Pilot Apologizes for Maneuver Avoiding B-52 Bomber

Deep Look

A routine Delta Connection flight turned into a tense moment in the skies on Friday when the pilot of a regional jet was forced to make a sharp, evasive maneuver to avoid a potential midair collision with a U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber. The dramatic event unfolded as SkyWest Flight 3788 was descending toward Minot, North Dakota, from Minneapolis.

The aircraft, operated by SkyWest Airlines under the Delta Connection brand, had been cleared by the local control tower for its final approach. But as the jet neared the airport, an unexpected and unreported aircraft appeared in its flight path. That aircraft turned out to be a B-52 Stratofortress—a long-range, high-speed military bomber capable of flying at high subsonic speeds.

In audio captured from a video shared on TikTok, the pilot’s calm but urgent voice explained the harrowing moment to passengers. “Nobody told us about it,” the unidentified pilot stated. “The aircraft was kind of, sort of coming at us.”

He recalled that after being instructed by the tower to report six miles from the airport, he initiated a right turn. But that’s when he noticed another aircraft closing in from that very direction. “I turned right as instructed, but I could see the aircraft to the right-hand side,” he said. The air traffic controller then redirected him to turn left instead.

“It was obvious from their speed that it was a military aircraft,” the pilot noted. “I don’t know how fast they were going, but they were a lot faster than us. I thought that was the safest thing to do—turn behind it.”

The abrupt turn startled passengers, but the flight crew quickly regained control. After safely landing in Minot, the pilot offered a sincere apology for the aggressive maneuver.

“It caught me by surprise,” he said, adding, “Long story short, it was not fun. I do apologize for it and thank you for understanding.” His comments were met with a round of applause from relieved passengers.

Passenger Reactions and Praise for Transparency

Monica Green, a passenger on the flight, described the moment as unsettling. She said the plane suddenly jerked, “like we did a U-turn,” just moments before landing. Then the pilot’s voice came over the intercom, offering an explanation and reassurance. Green said she appreciated the openness and professionalism.

“I’m just happy with the transparency from the pilot. It made me feel better that he said something about it and made the consumers aware,” she said in an interview with CNN. Green, a frequent flyer due to work, said she had never experienced such a maneuver in flight.

Unusual Airspace Conditions and Investigations Underway

The incident occurred in an airspace that is not controlled by a Federal Aviation Administration tower, which complicates the reporting process. As a result, the FAA has not yet issued a formal report but is actively collecting information about the event. SkyWest Airlines confirmed that the near-miss is under internal investigation.

“The flight landed safely in Minot after being cleared for approach by the tower but performed a go-around when another aircraft became visible in their flight path,” SkyWest said in a statement.

Both the Pentagon and Delta Air Lines have deferred comment, directing all inquiries to SkyWest Airlines, the operator of the aircraft.

The B-52 Stratofortress: A Powerful Presence in the Sky

The aircraft at the center of the incident, the B-52 Stratofortress, is a massive military bomber with a formidable reputation. According to the U.S. Air Force, it is capable of flying at high subsonic speeds at altitudes up to 50,000 feet. Designed for long-range strategic missions, the B-52 can carry both nuclear and precision-guided conventional weapons with pinpoint accuracy.

Its speed and operational requirements mean that it frequently shares airspace with commercial aircraft, particularly in training zones or near military bases. While such interactions are typically well-coordinated, any lapse in communication or awareness can result in dangerous close calls like the one experienced on Flight 3788.

A Reminder of the Importance of Airspace Coordination

This incident highlights the critical need for seamless communication and coordination between civilian and military aviation. It also underscores the professionalism of commercial flight crews who must often make split-second decisions under pressure.

Although the quick maneuver startled passengers, many ultimately felt reassured by the pilot’s skill and candid explanation. As investigations continue, the FAA and SkyWest will be looking closely at how the B-52 entered the regional jet’s flight path—and why no warning was given.


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