Key Point Summary – Delta Jet Dodges B-52 Bomber

• Delta Connection flight had 76 passengers aboard from Minneapolis to Minot
• Pilot swerved to avoid B-52 bomber during approach to airport
• Incident occurred near Minot Air Force Base, home to B-52s
• Passengers were told after landing about the evasive action
• Air Force confirmed a B-52 was flying nearby that day
• Exact proximity of the aircraft is still under review
• FAA and SkyWest are actively investigating the near-collision

Shocking Swerve Startles Passengers

A Delta regional jet carrying 76 passengers was minutes from landing when chaos erupted in the cockpit. The pilot was forced into what he described as an “aggressive maneuver” to avoid colliding with a massive U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber.

The drama unfolded on July 18 during Delta Connection Flight 3788’s descent into Minot, North Dakota. The aircraft, an Embraer E175LR operated by SkyWest, had taken off from Minneapolis. No one on board expected the abrupt twist that awaited them.

“Not A Fun Day At Work”

Once safely on the ground, the pilot addressed shaken passengers. His voice, caught on a cockpit-to-cabin recording, told the full story.

“Given his speed … I don’t know how fast they were going, but they were a lot faster than us,” the pilot said. “I felt it was the safest thing to do to turn behind it. Sorry about the aggressive maneuver — it caught me by surprise. This is not normal at all.”

There was no warning, no heads-up. Despite the nearby Minot Air Force Base having radar capability, the Delta pilot said he received no alert that the massive military plane was in their path.

No Alarms, No Alerts

It remains unknown just how close the two jets came to colliding. Officials have not confirmed whether any cockpit warning systems were triggered. But the pilot’s comments suggest he visually spotted the B-52 before taking evasive action — a chilling possibility.

Minot is no stranger to heavy military air traffic. The local Air Force base routinely operates B-52 Stratofortress bombers — colossal warbirds that dwarf commercial jets in size and speed.

Air Force Confirms B-52 Flight

An Air Force spokesperson confirmed that a B-52 was flying over the area that day.

“We are aware of the recent reporting regarding commercial and Air Force aircraft operating in airspace around Minot International Airport,” the spokesperson told ABC News. “We can confirm that a B-52 aircraft assigned to Minot AFB conducted a flyover of the North Dakota State Fair Friday evening.”

No mention was made of a near-miss.

SkyWest Launches Probe

SkyWest Airlines, which operated the Delta-branded flight, confirmed the jet was cleared for approach by air traffic control. However, the pilot initiated a go-around after spotting another aircraft “in their flight path.”

“SkyWest flight 3788, operating as Delta Connection from Minneapolis, Minnesota to Minot, North Dakota, landed safely in Minot after being cleared for approach by the tower but performed a go-around when another aircraft became visible,” a spokesperson said. “We are investigating the incident.”

Aviation Experts Raise Red Flags

While mid-air close calls aren’t unheard of, one involving a B-52 bomber and a commercial jet is exceedingly rare — and terrifying. Aviation experts have raised concerns over coordination between military and civilian controllers.

“This isn’t just scary — it’s unacceptable,” said retired FAA controller Marcus Doyle. “How does a B-52 end up in a commercial approach path with no warning?”

Others questioned whether the bomber was using its transponder or whether standard flight separation protocols were in place.

Social Media Reacts With Outrage

The news lit up social media, especially among frequent flyers and aviation professionals.

“Delta pilot saved 76 lives with split-second thinking,” one user wrote on X. “But why was he even in that position in the first place?”

Another added, “A B-52? That’s not a bird you just sneak up on.”

Others defended the military, suggesting that if the B-52 was part of a sanctioned flyover, it may have been operating under a special flight plan.

Minot’s Dual Identity: Civilian Meets Military

Minot International Airport shares airspace with Minot Air Force Base, a combination that works seamlessly most days — until it doesn’t. Coordination between FAA and military controllers is critical in such zones.

According to FAA regulations, military aircraft must adhere to standard separation from civilian planes unless flying in designated restricted airspace. It’s unclear whether those protocols were breached here.

Could This Have Been Avoided?

That’s the billion-dollar question now facing SkyWest, Delta, the FAA, and the U.S. military.

Was the B-52 properly tracked? Was there a miscommunication between control towers? Did the jet’s TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance System) fail to alert the pilots in time?

Right now, no one’s offering answers — only investigations.

Passengers Describe Moment Of Panic

Though the airline confirmed a safe landing, some passengers say the maneuver didn’t go unnoticed.

“I felt the plane lurch to the side and drop slightly,” one traveler posted online. “It was sharp and fast. A few people gasped.”

Another added, “The pilot came on after and said he had to avoid another aircraft. I couldn’t believe it. I thought he meant a drone or something — not a B-52.”

Will There Be Consequences?

The FAA has not issued an official statement but is expected to join SkyWest’s internal review. If either the commercial or military side is found to have breached protocol, disciplinary or procedural changes may follow.

But experts say such near-misses rarely result in public accountability unless a catastrophic failure occurs.

Political Fallout On The Horizon?

With increasing scrutiny on air traffic control staffing and safety standards, this latest incident could catch the attention of lawmakers.

North Dakota Senator Kevin Cramer has already demanded transparency. “We need to know what happened here. Civilian lives were put at risk, and we need clear answers.”

Outlook: More Questions Than Answers

For now, the skies over Minot remain clear — but the air around this story is anything but.

Who was responsible? How did two very different jets end up on a collision course? And most urgently — how can this be prevented in the future?

The answers may come slowly, but for the 76 passengers and one quick-thinking pilot, one thing is clear: this was no ordinary flight.

Stay tuned. The truth is still circling.