Delta Pilot's Emergency Maneuver to Avoid B-52 Bomber Near Minot

Mid-Air Near Miss Incident

• ✈️ A Delta regional jet pilot was forced to make an aggressive maneuver while taking off from Minneapolis and approaching Minot, North Dakota.
• ⚠️ The pilot stated the maneuver was to avoid a mid-air collision with a B-52 bomber.
• 🗣️ Passengers reported the pilot apologized for the sudden, sharp turns, explaining it was due to an unexpected situation.

Airspace Safety Concerns

• ❓ It remains unclear how close the two aircraft came to each other.
• ✈️ The regional jet, operated by Sky West, was cleared for approach but performed a go-around when another aircraft became visible in its flight path.
• 📢 The incident raises new concerns about civilian and military aircraft sharing airspace, particularly near Minot Air Force Base, which is home to B-52 bombers.

Investigations Underway

• 🔍 Sky West is investigating the incident, stating the jet landed safely.
• 🇺🇸 The Air Force confirmed a B-52 from Minot Air Force Base conducted a flyover of the North Dakota State Fair on the same evening.
• 📰 The event is highlighted as another example questioning the safety protocols for shared airspace.