On July 18, 2025, a routine Delta Pilot Connection flight took a dramatic turn when the pilot was forced to perform an aggressive in-air maneuver to avoid a collision with a U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber. The SkyWest-operated Flight 3788, an Embraer E175 jet en route from Minneapolis–St. Paul to Minot International Airport, was descending for landing when the crew suddenly spotted the bomber converging on their flight path. Despite being cleared to land, no radar warning or air traffic communication alerted the pilot of the impending conflict.
Acting on visual judgment, the pilot swiftly turned behind the B-52 and initiated a go-around, avoiding what could have been a disastrous mid-air collision. The military aircraft was later confirmed to be returning from a scheduled flyover at the North Dakota State Fair.
Inside the Cabin: Passengers Calm, Pilot Candid Post-Landing
Despite the sudden bank and go-around, passengers remained surprisingly composed. Monica Green, who was seated near the front of the aircraft, said,
“Everyone was weirdly calm. We took a really hard turn, and then the pilot got on the intercom and explained everything. That’s when I realized how serious it was”.
After safely landing, the Delta Pilot personally addressed the cabin, offering both an apology and a detailed explanation of the near-miss.
“For those on the right-hand side, you probably saw the airplane kind of coming at us. Nobody told us about it … It was the safest thing to do to turn behind it. Sorry about the aggressive maneuver,” he said, his voice slightly shaken.
Passengers praised the crew for their professionalism and transparency, with several stating they were grateful for the decisive action that kept everyone safe.
Investigation Underway Amid Renewed Focus on Shared Airspace
Both SkyWest and Minot Air Force Base have confirmed the incident and announced internal reviews. SkyWest emphasized that the flight had been properly cleared for approach and that the go-around was initiated only after visual contact with the bomber. The U.S. Air Force stated that the B-52 was involved in a routine flyover mission and acknowledged the close encounter.
This incident has raised broader concerns about airspace coordination, especially in areas where military and civilian aircraft operate in close proximity. The FAA, along with the military and airline operators, are now investigating procedural gaps that may have contributed to the near-collision.
Aviation experts say this event underscores the need for enhanced real-time radar coverage, communication between control towers and military flight paths, and stricter coordination around dual-use airspace zones.
Fortunately, the Delta Pilot Connection flight landed safely with no injuries reported, but the incident is being viewed as a serious wake-up call for all aviation stakeholders.
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