FAA Launches Investigation After Delta Jet’s Near Miss With B-52 Bomber
A near miss between a Delta regional jet and a U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber over North Dakota is now under federal investigation.
The incident happened Friday as SkyWest flight 3788, operating as a Delta Connection from Minneapolis to Minot, was on final approach. Without warning, the jet’s pilot was forced into what he called an “aggressive maneuver” to avoid the bomber. The sudden bank startled passengers onboard, Reuters reported.
“All of a sudden we just jerk really hard to the right,” passenger Monica Green told ABC News. “The pilot got on the announcement and said, ‘I’ll explain everything once we’ve landed safely.’”
After the flight landed safely in Minot, the pilot addressed the cabin, explaining that the B-52 came unexpectedly into their flight path. “I felt it was the safest thing to do to turn behind it,” the pilot said in a cockpit announcement captured on audio. “This is not normal at all… I don’t know why they didn’t give us a heads up.”
Related: Delta Pilot Issues Apology to Passengers
Minot International Airport operates under visual flight rules and does not have radar coverage. Its air traffic controllers are private contractors, not FAA employees. Adding to the complexity, Minot is also home to an active Air Force base with a fleet of B-52 bombers.
The Air Force confirmed a B-52 performed a flyover of the North Dakota State Fair that evening but did not offer further details. “We are aware of the reports and are looking into the matter,” a spokesperson said.
SkyWest confirmed its flight performed a go-around after spotting another aircraft in its path and said it is investigating the incident.
The FAA said Monday it is reviewing the situation and working to determine how a close call like this happened and whether miscommunication between military and civilian aviation contributed to the scare.
For the passengers on board, it was a jarring reminder of how quickly routine flights can take a turn when everything doesn’t go according to plan.
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