Delta Pilot's Quick Thinking Averts Mid-Air Collision with Military Bomber

Published 21 July 2025

Highlights

• A Delta Air Lines pilot executed an aggressive manoeuvre to avoid a mid-air collision with a B-52 bomber near Minot, North Dakota.
  • The incident involved SkyWest Flight 3788, which was en route from Minneapolis to Minot on Friday.
  • Passengers experienced a sharp right turn and were informed by the pilot post-landing about the evasive action taken.
  • The Federal Aviation Administration and SkyWest Airlines are investigating the incident.
  • The B-52 bomber was conducting a flyover for the North Dakota state fair at the time of the incident.

3. Rewritten Article

   Delta Pilot's Quick Thinking Averts Mid-Air Collision with Military Bomber

   A Delta Air Lines pilot was compelled to perform an aggressive evasive manoeuvre to avoid a potential mid-air collision with a US Air Force B-52 bomber near Minot, North Dakota. The incident occurred on Friday as SkyWest Flight 3788, operating as a Delta connection from Minneapolis, was preparing to land.

   Unexpected Encounter in North Dakota Skies

   The pilot, who was cleared for landing, suddenly spotted the massive B-52 bomber on a converging course. "Nobody told us about it," he later explained to passengers, expressing surprise at the lack of prior warning from air traffic control. The B-52, part of the Fifth Bomb Wing based at Minot Air Force Base, was reportedly conducting a flyover for the North Dakota state fair.

   Passenger Reactions and Pilot's Explanation

   Passengers aboard the Embraer E175 experienced a sharp right turn, described by Monica Green, a passenger, as "completely sideways." Despite the unexpected manoeuvre, the atmosphere remained "weirdly calm," according to Green. Upon landing, the pilot addressed the passengers, explaining the evasive action taken due to the bomber's faster speed and unexpected presence. "It caught me by surprise," he admitted, apologizing for the unsettling experience.

   Investigation Underway

   Both SkyWest Airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration have launched investigations into the incident. The pilot's quick decision-making was crucial in ensuring the safety of all on board, although questions remain about the communication breakdown that led to the near-miss.

4. Scenario Analysis

   The incident highlights potential gaps in air traffic communication, particularly in areas where military and commercial flights intersect. The ongoing investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration could lead to revised protocols to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Experts suggest that improved coordination between military and civilian air traffic controllers is essential to ensure safety. As the aviation industry continues to prioritize passenger safety, this event serves as a reminder of the critical importance of clear communication and rapid decision-making in the skies.

A Delta Air Lines pilot was compelled to perform an aggressive evasive manoeuvre to avoid a potential mid-air collision with a US Air Force B-52 bomber near Minot, North Dakota. The incident occurred on Friday as SkyWest Flight 3788, operating as a Delta connection from Minneapolis, was preparing to land.

Unexpected Encounter in North Dakota Skies

The pilot, who was cleared for landing, suddenly spotted the massive B-52 bomber on a converging course. "Nobody told us about it," he later explained to passengers, expressing surprise at the lack of prior warning from air traffic control. The B-52, part of the Fifth Bomb Wing based at Minot Air Force Base, was reportedly conducting a flyover for the North Dakota state fair.

Passenger Reactions and Pilot's Explanation

Passengers aboard the Embraer E175 experienced a sharp right turn, described by Monica Green, a passenger, as "completely sideways." Despite the unexpected manoeuvre, the atmosphere remained "weirdly calm," according to Green. Upon landing, the pilot addressed the passengers, explaining the evasive action taken due to the bomber's faster speed and unexpected presence. "It caught me by surprise," he admitted, apologizing for the unsettling experience.

Investigation Underway

Both SkyWest Airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration have launched investigations into the incident. The pilot's quick decision-making was crucial in ensuring the safety of all on board, although questions remain about the communication breakdown that led to the near-miss.

What this might mean

The incident highlights potential gaps in air traffic communication, particularly in areas where military and commercial flights intersect. The ongoing investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration could lead to revised protocols to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Experts suggest that improved coordination between military and civilian air traffic controllers is essential to ensure safety. As the aviation industry continues to prioritize passenger safety, this event serves as a reminder of the critical importance of clear communication and rapid decision-making in the skies.