Pilot had to apologize to passengers for 'aggressive maneuver' after avoiding B-52 bomber in the skies over North Dakota
Published on Jul 23, 2025 at 11:21 PM (UTC+4)
by Henry Kelsall
Last updated on Jul 23, 2025 at 1:23 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
A pilot had to apologize to his passengers after a SkyWest flight, operating as a Delta Connection, had to perform an ‘aggressive maneuver’ to avoid a Boeing B-52 bomber that was conducting a flypast in the area.
CNN reported that the airliner was on approach to its destination airport. It then had to swerve and avoid the United States Air Force aircraft suddenly.
Both aircraft avoided each other, but the incident was a close call. The SkyWest pilot apologized for the sharp turn on the radio.
SkyWest and the Minot Air Force Base have both issued statements regarding the incident. Both parties have attempted to clarify the situation.
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What happened with the SkyWest flight and the Boeing B-52 bomber?
The SkyWest flight, an Embraer E175, was on approach to North Dakota’s Minot International Airport when the incident occurred.
The crew of the airliner suddenly noticed the Boeing B-52 bomber was on its flightpath.
The pilot then had to swiftly swerve to avoid a mid-air collision.
A user on TikTok recorded the pilot reporting the incident to passengers after the sudden swerve.
@azamora616 #plane#nearmiss#flight3788 @delta ♬ original sound – Andrea
“Nobody told us about it,” the pilot said, referring to Air Traffic Control (ATC) not having mentioned the massive aircraft.
ATC did tell him to turn right; however, when they did so, the aircraft was already in view.
What initially looked like a small aircraft quickly became something much larger.
What the parties involved said about the incident
The Minot Air Force Base, where the B-52 had operated from, issued a statement saying:
“The tower did not advise of the inbound commercial aircraft.”
A US Air Force spokesperson said to Minot Daily News:
“We are aware of the recent reporting regarding commercial and Air Force aircraft operating in airspace around Minot International Airport.”
They added that they ‘are currently looking into the matter.’
A further statement from a US Air Force spokesperson has also been given to ABC News.
This statement said:
“The B-52 crew contacted Minot International Airport tower, and the tower provided instructions to continue 2 miles westbound after the flyover.
“The tower did not advise of the inbound commercial aircraft.”
SkyWest also put out a statement and said the aircraft ‘landed safely in Minot after being cleared for approach by the tower, but performing a go-around when another aircraft became visible in their flight path.’
The statement went on:
“We are investigating the incident.”
Thankfully for all involved, the worst possible outcome was avoided.
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Henry is a content writer with nearly ten years experience, having written for various publications since 2017. Qualifying with a Sports Journalism degree from Staffordshire University, Henry loves all things automotive but has a particular soft spot for classic Japanese cars and anything Lancia. He also has a curious passion for steam locomotives.
