FAA Investigates Delta Plane's Close Call with B-52 Bomber

A Near-Miss Incident at Minot International Airport

A Delta Air Lines flight was involved in a close call with a B-52 bomber while attempting to land at Minot International Airport in North Dakota on Friday. The incident, which has raised concerns about aviation safety, occurred when the pilot of Delta Connection Flight 3788 had to perform an “aggressive maneuver” to avoid a potential collision.

The flight, operated by SkyWest Airlines and departing from Minneapolis, was on its way to Minot when the near miss happened. According to a statement from SkyWest, the pilot executed a go-around after another aircraft became visible in their flight path. The airline is currently investigating the incident, as is the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Passenger Monica Green, who was on board the flight, described the experience as “absolutely terrifying.” She shared her story on Facebook and later posted a video of the pilot addressing passengers after the incident. The video, which went viral on TikTok, shows the pilot explaining what happened during the flight.

“I was landing in Minot, North Dakota today and our plane nearly missed another plane,” Green wrote. “Absolutely terrifying to think about.”

In the video, the pilot mentioned that he initially thought the other aircraft might have been a small plane. However, after receiving instructions from air traffic control to turn right and then left, he realized the aircraft was actually a military B-52 bomber on a converging course. At that point, the pilot decided to turn behind the bomber to ensure the safety of his passengers.

“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 the pilot’s actions, showing their relief and appreciation for his quick decision-making.

Air Traffic Control and Radar Issues

The pilot noted that the Minot air traffic control tower does not have radar, and controllers rely on visual cues to direct aircraft. Air traffic services at the airport are provided by a private company, not the FAA, which is responsible for civil aviation. This detail has sparked further questions about the coordination between civilian and military air traffic.

A nearby Air Force base does have radar, which led the pilot to question why no one warned them about the B-52’s presence. The Air Force confirmed that a B-52 assigned to the Minot Air Force base conducted a flyover during the North Dakota State Fair on Friday night.

“We are aware of the recent reporting regarding commercial and Air Force aircraft operating in airspace around Minot International Airport. We are currently looking into the matter,” an Air Force spokesman said.

Passenger and Crew Details

SkyWest reported that there were 76 passengers and four crew members on board the flight. While no injuries were reported, the incident has prompted calls for increased safety measures.

U.S. Representative Betty McCollum expressed concern over the event, stating that it raises serious questions about passenger safety. She urged the FAA to investigate and called for immediate installation of radar technology at Minot International Airport.

“Given the Department of Defense training that takes place in the surrounding area, Minot International Airport must also immediately receive and install radar technology to have a full accounting of all local air traffic,” McCollum said in a statement. “To maintain the safety and trust of the flying public, the FAA and Department of Defense must provide clear answers as to what happened and what steps they are taking to ensure that this never happens again.”

This incident highlights the need for better communication and coordination between civilian and military aviation authorities to prevent similar close calls in the future.