Delta Jet Averts B-52 Collision: Pilot's Quick Action Saves the Day

Delta Jet narrowly avoids collision with B-52 in mid-air incident. The pilot explained the situation to passengers in a calm manner. The FAA has announced an investigation into the incident.

A Delta regional jet narrowly avoided a mid-air collision with a B-52 bomber on July 18, 2023, while approaching Minot, North Dakota. The incident, which occurred on a flight operated by SkyWest, has sparked an investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The Delta pilot, upon landing, apologized to passengers for the abrupt maneuver. According to a recording of the conversation, the pilot explained that the B-52 was traveling at a significantly higher speed and that the maneuver was necessary to avoid a collision. The pilot expressed surprise and frustration at the lack of communication from the Air Force base, which is equipped with radar.

The Air Force has not released any information about the event, but a spokesperson confirmed that a B-52 aircraft was conducting a flyover of the North Dakota State Fair on the same day. The incident highlights the importance of communication and coordination between commercial and military aircraft in shared airspace.

Minot International Airport operates under visual flight rules (VFR) only, as it is a "Class D" airport without radar. The controllers are contractors and not FAA employees.

SkyWest, the airline operating the Delta Connection flight, is investigating the incident. The FAA has also announced an investigation into the matter.

References:
[1] https://abcnews.go.com/US/delta-regional-pilot-takes-evasive-action-avoid-52/story?id=123908431
[2] https://abc11.com/post/delta-regional-pilot-makes-aggressive-maneuver-avoid-mid-air-plane-collision-52-bomber-landing-minot-north-dakota/17214144/