A Close Call in the Skies Over North Dakota
A Delta Airlines pilot was forced to make an “aggressive maneuver” to avoid a potential mid-air collision with a U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber over North Dakota. The incident occurred on Friday night during a flight from Minneapolis-Saint Paul to Minot International Airport, according to aviation reports.
Flight DL3788, operated by SkyWest Airlines as part of Delta Connection, was in the final stages of its descent when the U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber from Minot Air Force Base was spotted. The pilot later shared an announcement with passengers that was widely circulated on social media, describing the tense moment.
“In front of you on the right-hand side, you probably saw the airplane sort of coming at us. Nobody told us about it, and so we continued,” the pilot said. He explained that the aircraft was relying solely on instructions from the control tower, but those directions were unclear.
The pilot recounted how he initially thought the bomber was just a small plane, but quickly realized the situation was more serious. “I looked over and saw the airplane that was kind of coming on a converging course with us,” he said. “So, given his speed, it was a military […] I don’t know how fast they were going, but it was a lot faster than us. I felt it was the safest thing to do to turn behind it.”
He added, “So sorry about the aggressive maneuver. It caught me by surprise. This is not normal at all.” The pilot expressed confusion about why no warning was given, noting that the airport base has radar. “I don’t know why they didn’t give us a heads up because the airport base does have radar, and nobody said, ‘Hey, there’s a B-52 in the pattern.’”
Passengers reportedly applauded after the pilot apologized for the unexpected move. The incident highlights the importance of clear communication between air traffic control and pilots, especially in areas where military and commercial flights may intersect.
In a statement provided to the New York Post, a SkyWest spokesperson confirmed the event. “SkyWest flight 3788, operating as Delta Connection from Minneapolis, Minnesota to Minot, North Dakota on July 18, 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. We are investigating the incident.”
Additional Incident Involving Delta Airlines
Just a day after the close call in North Dakota, another Delta Airlines flight faced a different challenge. Flight 446, which had taken off from Los Angeles International Airport, was forced to return to its departure point after one of its engines caught fire. The Federal Aviation Administration reported that the flight made a safe landing around 2:10 p.m.
This incident underscores the unpredictable nature of air travel and the critical role of safety protocols in ensuring passenger well-being. Delta Airlines, the U.S. Air Force, and the FAA were contacted for further comments, though no official response was immediately available.
The Broader Implications
These two incidents—first a near-miss with a military aircraft and then an engine failure—highlight the complex challenges faced by airlines and air traffic controllers. While such events are rare, they serve as reminders of the need for continuous improvements in communication, technology, and training within the aviation industry.
For travelers, these stories reinforce the importance of staying informed and understanding the measures in place to ensure safety. As the aviation sector continues to evolve, maintaining transparency and accountability will be essential in building trust among passengers and stakeholders alike.
