Passenger plane makes evasive maneuver to avoid B-52 bomber

A SkyWest passenger plane narrowly averted a mid-air collision with a US Air Force B-52 bomber in North Dakota by executing a sharp turn and circling.

A Delta Connection Embraer E175 en route from Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, Minnesota to Minot International Airport, North Dakota on the night of 18/7 nearly collided with a B-52 Stratofortress taking off from Minot Air Force Base.

"Our plane made a very sharp turn, and then the pilot said over the intercom, 'Sorry everyone, I'll explain everything when we land safely'", passenger Monica Green recounted on 20/7.

The pilot reported that air traffic control had cleared him to approach Minot International Airport and instructed him to turn right. However, upon looking over, he spotted a B-52 bomber. The pilot was then told to turn left, but he saw the bomber on a "converging trajectory" with his aircraft (flying in a direction that would bring them closer together and potentially cause a collision). The crew and passengers on the right side of the plane could all see the bomber from their windows.

The pilot explained that the B-52 was faster than the SkyWest plane, so he decided to turn behind it and circle back to land.

The pilot's flight path averted disaster on 19/7. Photo: NY Post

The pilot's flight path averted disaster on 19/7. Photo: NY Post

Green commended the pilot for his detailed explanation. She also noticed a slight tremor in his voice as he recounted the incident. After the plane landed safely, passengers expressed relief and thanked the pilot for his quick thinking.

According to the pilot, it was unusual not to receive prior warning about the bomber's presence on the flight path. He also noted that Minot International Airport lacks air traffic control radar, forcing controllers to rely on visual observation. An NBC aviation expert stated that it's not uncommon for smaller US airports to lack their own radar systems.

A Delta Connection Embraer 175 prepares to land at an airport in Arlington, Virginia, USA on 10/7. Photo: AFP

A Delta Connection Embraer 175 prepares to land at an airport in Arlington, Virginia, USA on 10/7. Photo: AFP

SkyWest, the regional airline operating under the Delta Connection brand, confirmed the incident and announced an ongoing investigation.

The US Air Force also reported that it is reviewing the incident. Minot Air Force Base is home to the 5th Bomb Wing and the 91st Missile Wing, and houses a substantial amount of US Air Force equipment and vehicles, including 26 B-52 bombers.