UPDATE: A Delta regional flight narrowly avoided a mid-air collision with a B-52 Stratofortress bomber from the US Air Force on Friday, shocking passengers and crew alike. The incident occurred as SkyWest flight 3788, en route from Minneapolis to Minot, North Dakota, encountered the military aircraft during its approach.
The pilot executed an “aggressive maneuver” to evade the B-52, which caught the crew by surprise. “I don’t know why they didn’t give us a heads up at all,” the pilot told passengers, expressing disbelief over the lack of communication from the Minot Air Force Base. Witnesses reported the tense moment that unfolded in the skies, with the pilot apologizing for the unexpected scare.
The flight was originally cleared for approach but had to perform a go-around when the B-52 became visible. SkyWest Airlines confirmed that the aircraft landed safely in Minot and is currently conducting an investigation into the incident.
This alarming near-miss raises serious questions about communication protocols between civilian and military flights. The pilot emphasized, “It caught me by surprise, this is not normal at all,” adding that the situation was “not a fun day at work.”
In a tragic context, it’s worth noting that just last January, an American Airlines flight collided with a UH-60 Black Hawk, resulting in the deaths of all 67 individuals aboard the two aircraft. As safety remains a top priority in aviation, officials are monitoring the situation closely.
As investigations continue, it remains crucial for both military and civilian air traffic control to enhance coordination to prevent any future incidents. The aviation community is urged to stay alert as more details emerge from this significant event.
Stay tuned for updates on what happens next in this developing story.