URGENT UPDATE: A Delta pilot narrowly avoided a catastrophic mid-air collision with a B-52 Stratofortress in North Dakota on Friday. The frightening incident occurred as SkyWest flight 3788, operating as Delta Connection, was en route from Minneapolis to Minot.
Witnesses report that the pilot executed an “aggressive maneuver” to evade the bomber, which was flying from Minot Air Force Base. The pilot expressed concern to passengers, stating, “It caught me by surprise, this is not normal at all.” The pilot later questioned why the Air Force did not provide any warning, given that the base has radar capabilities.
The close call unfolded shortly before the flight was cleared for its approach. However, due to the sudden appearance of the B-52, the pilot was forced to perform a go-around, ensuring the safety of all on board. “I don’t know how fast they were going, but they were a lot faster than us,” he added, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
SkyWest Airlines confirmed that the flight landed safely in Minot, stating they are conducting an investigation into the incident. A spokesperson for Delta Airlines directed inquiries to SkyWest for further details.
As of now, representatives from the US Air Force Central Command, Minot Air Force Base, and the Federal Aviation Administration have not responded to requests for comment regarding the incident.
This alarming event comes on the heels of a tragic collision in January, where an American Airlines flight collided with a UH-60 Black Hawk, resulting in the deaths of all 67 individuals on both aircraft. The potential for disaster in the recent Delta incident underscores the critical importance of air traffic communication and safety protocols.
What Happens Next: Authorities are expected to review the flight paths and communication protocols to prevent similar occurrences in the future. SkyWest Airlines is prioritizing the investigation, and updates will be released as more information becomes available.
Stay tuned for the latest developments on this critical safety incident.
