Delta Pilot's Aggressive Maneuver Avoids B-52 Bomber Collision Over North Dakota

Near Midair Collision Incident

• ✈️ A SkyWest Airlines Embraer E175, flying from Minneapolis-St. Paul to Minot, North Dakota, executed an aggressive evasive maneuver to avoid a collision.
• ⚠️ The incident occurred with a US Air Force B-52 Stratofortress from Minot Air Force Base over North Dakota.
• 👁️ Passengers and crew on the right side of the E175 could see the B-52 approaching on a converging course.

Air Traffic Control and Communication Issues

• 📡 The pilot stated there was no radar in use by the tower, and air traffic control was operating visually.
• 🗣️ The pilot expressed surprise that neither air traffic control nor the Air Force base provided a heads-up about the B-52 being in the pattern.
• ⚡ The B-52 was traveling significantly faster than the E175, necessitating a rapid response.

Pilot's Actions and Apology

• ↩️ The pilot decided to turn behind the B-52, deeming it the safest course of action given the circumstances.
• 🙏 The pilot apologized for the aggressive maneuver, acknowledging it was unexpected and not a normal occurrence.
• ✅ Despite the stressful event, the pilot expressed gratitude for understanding and a desire for a safe evening.