Delta Pilot’s Quick Thinking Averts Potential Mid-Air Collision

A Delta Airlines pilot was forced to execute an “aggressive” evasive maneuver to avoid a potential mid-air collision with a US military aircraft, identified as a B-52 bomber, before landing in North Dakota. The incident occurred on July 18, while the SkyWest Flight 3788, a regional jet operating as Delta Connection, was en route from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Minot, North Dakota.

According to passenger Monica Green, who recorded audio of the incident, the plane made a sudden and sharp turn, causing her to face the grass outside her window. “We took a really hard right turn, we were completely sideways,” she said. “I was facing the grass.” The passengers were initially unaware of what was happening, and Green’s account describes the atmosphere as “weirdly calm.” “We had no idea what was going on, we didn’t know if there was anything wrong with the plane or if the sharp turns would continue,” Green added.

The pilot’s voice was calm and composed as he explained the situation to the passengers over the intercom. “So, sorry about the aggressive maneuver,” he said. After the plane landed safely, the pilot emerged from the cockpit to provide a detailed explanation of the events that transpired. He stated that air traffic control had instructed him to turn right, but upon looking over, he spotted the B-52 bomber. When instructed to turn left, he saw the bomber again, this time on a converging course with their plane.

The pilot’s decision to turn behind the B-52 bomber was swift and decisive. “Given his speed… I don’t know how fast they were going, but they were a lot faster than us, I felt it was the safest thing to do to turn behind it,” he explained. Expressing surprise and frustration at the lack of prior warning, he added, “This is not normal at all. I don’t know why they didn’t give us a heads up.” Concluding his message, the pilot apologized for the abrupt maneuver, saying, “Long story short, it was not fun, but I do apologize for it – and thank you for understanding.” Passengers responded with applause, appreciative of the pilot’s transparency and quick thinking.

In a statement, SkyWest Airlines confirmed the incident, saying, “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 in their flight path.” Both SkyWest Airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the incident.

The incident highlights concerns about airspace management, particularly given the proximity of Minot Air Force Base to Minot International Airport. The base is home to the 5th Bomb Wing and 91st Missile Wing, as well as a large number of US Air Force vehicles and equipment, including 26 B-52 bombers.

Passengers praised the pilot’s handling of the situation, with Green noting that he was “very casual, if you can be casual about something like that, but you could tell he was stressed.” The pilot’s actions likely prevented a potential disaster, and his transparency helped reassure passengers after the harrowing experience.