Pilot saves passengers from potential collision with B-52 bomber

On July 18, 2025, a SkyWest flight carrying passengers from Minneapolis to Minot International Airport in North Dakota faced a dangerous situation as it approached the airport. The Embraer E175 jet, operating as Delta Connection flight 3788, was cleared for a landing when the pilot spotted a U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber from Minot Air Force Base in their flight path. Despite being in the final stages of descent, the pilot quickly recognized the serious threat posed by the fast-moving military aircraft. Following air traffic control instructions, which were based solely on visual monitoring due to the lack of radar at the tower, the pilot decided to perform an aggressive maneuver. The decision was made to execute a go-around, which involved turning behind the B-52 bomber to ensure safe distance and avoid potential collision. After landing safely in Minot, the pilot promptly addressed the situation with passengers, acknowledging the abrupt maneuver and explaining the circumstances that led to it. He expressed regret for the sudden turn and emphasized that such incidents did not occur frequently, stating that it caught him by surprise. Passengers on board, including one named Monica Green, described the atmosphere onboard as oddly calm amidst the sharp turns, highlighting the pilot's transparency and professionalism during the emergency. The incident raised questions regarding communication protocols, particularly about why the tower did not provide adequate warnings about the military jet. SkyWest Airlines and the Air Force are currently investigating the circumstances leading up to the near-miss, as details about the spacing and movements of the B-52 had not been made clear prior to the incident. This near-collision incident underscores the importance of effective coordination between commercial flight operations and military traffic, especially near airbases where military aircraft are routinely active.