A Near Miss in the Skies Over Minot, North Dakota
On a seemingly routine flight from Minneapolis to Minot, North Dakota, passengers aboard Delta Connection Flight 3788 found themselves in an unexpected and alarming situation. The pilot of the SkyWest Airlines-operated jet was forced to execute what has been described as an “aggressive maneuver” to avoid a potential collision with a B-52 bomber.
The incident occurred just after 8 p.m. on Friday, as the plane approached Minot International Airport. According to SkyWest, the pilot made a go-around when another aircraft became visible in their flight path. The airline is currently investigating the event, as is the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Passenger Monica Green, who was on board the flight, shared her experience on social media. She described the moment as “absolutely terrifying.” Green also posted a video that captured the pilot’s message to passengers following the incident. The clip quickly went viral on TikTok, drawing attention to the close call.
In the video, the pilot explained that he initially thought the other aircraft might have been a smaller plane. Air traffic control had instructed him to turn right and then left, but by that point, the pilot realized the other aircraft was a military B-52 bomber on a converging course. He decided the safest option was to turn behind it.
“I’m sorry about the aggressive maneuver,” the pilot said. “It is not normal at all. I don’t know why they didn’t tell us about it. It was not fun. I do apologize for it. Thank you for understanding. Not a fun day at work.”
The video ends with passengers applauding, showing their relief after the incident.
Air Traffic Control and Radar Issues
The Minot air traffic control tower, which provides air traffic services for the airport, does not have radar. Instead, controllers rely on visual cues to direct aircraft. This lack of radar technology raised questions about how the B-52 bomber was able to enter the airspace undetected.
SkyWest confirmed that the Minot air traffic control tower is operated by a private company, not the FAA. The FAA, which oversees civil aviation, has stated that its responsibility lies with ensuring safety in civilian airspace.
The pilot expressed confusion about why no one warned them about the presence of the B-52. He pointed out that a nearby Air Force base does have radar, prompting him to ask, “Why didn’t anyone say, ‘Hey, there’s also a B-52 in the pattern?’”
The Air Force later confirmed that a B-52 assigned to the Minot Air Force Base conducted a flyover during the North Dakota State Fair on Friday night. An Air Force spokesman said they are looking into the matter.
Calls for Improved Safety Measures
The incident has sparked concerns about passenger safety and the coordination between military and civilian aviation. U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum, a member of Congress, called the event “a serious question about passenger safety” and urged the FAA to investigate thoroughly.
McCollum emphasized the need for Minot International Airport to receive and install radar technology to track all local air traffic. She argued that such measures are essential to maintain the trust of the flying public and ensure the safety of future flights.
What Happened?
Delta Connection Flight 3788 had 76 passengers and four crew members onboard. The pilot’s actions prevented a potentially catastrophic collision. However, the incident highlights the challenges of managing airspace where both military and civilian aircraft operate.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on understanding what led to the near miss and how similar incidents can be avoided in the future. The pilot’s apology and the passengers’ relief underscore the importance of clear communication and advanced technology in modern aviation.
