The US Air Force updated its investigation into the near-collision between a SkyWest passenger plane and a B-52 bomber in North Dakota on July 18. "The B-52 crew contacted air traffic control at Minot International Airport and was instructed to continue flying 2 miles west after their airshow performance. However, air traffic control did not notify them of the commercial aircraft entering the same area," the Air Force said on 22/7.
The bomber was assigned to perform at the North Dakota State Fair in Minot. The operation was approved after consultation with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Minot International Airport air traffic control, and the air traffic control team at Minot Air Force Base.
After the B-52 completed its flight around 8 p.m. on 18/7, Minot Airport air traffic control provided instructions but did not mention the commercial aircraft operating in the same area.
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A US Air Force B-52 bomber. Photo: Nellis Air Force Base |
A US Air Force B-52 bomber. Photo: Nellis Air Force Base
The SkyWest Embraer E175 was preparing to land at Minot Airport. The pilot spotted the B-52 in its flight path. Since the B-52 was faster than the SkyWest plane, he decided to make a sharp turn behind it and circle back to land. The pilot also informed passengers that he had not been warned about the military aircraft in the area.
The FAA stated that it is investigating, emphasizing that "air traffic control services at Minot Airport are operated by a private company, not FAA employees." SkyWest has also launched an internal investigation into the incident.
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The pilot's flight path that averted disaster on the SkyWest Embraer E175 on 19/7. Photo: NY Post |
The pilot's flight path that averted disaster on the SkyWest Embraer E175 on 19/7. Photo: NY Post
Some smaller airports like Minot, which handle approximately 18-24 flights daily, do not have their own radar systems. The FAA's regional radar centers monitor flight operations nationwide. The FAA's radar control center in Minneapolis provides guidance for aircraft entering and leaving Minot before the airport's air traffic controllers take over when they have visual contact with the aircraft.
The US currently has 265 contracted air traffic control towers like the one in Minot. Around 1,400 air traffic controllers at smaller airports must meet the same criteria and training programs as FAA employees at larger airports.
Thanh Danh (According to AP)
