Passenger Describes Near-Collision Between SkyWest Jet and B-52 Bomber Over North Dakota

Near-Collision Incident

• ✈️ A Delta-operated SkyWest flight with 80 people on board had to take evasive action to avoid a B-52 military bomber over North Dakota.
• ⚠️ The incident occurred as the B-52 was descending for a flyover at the North Dakota State Fair.

Passenger Experience

• 🎢 A passenger described the pilot's maneuver as feeling like "a sharp turn on a roller coaster," with the ability to see grass out the window instead of the horizon.
• 😨 The passenger experienced significant fear and anxiety, stating, "I was sweating. I was shaking. I was not excited to get on."

Investigation Details

• 🔍 The FAA and the Air Force are investigating the close call.
• 🛫 The B-52 crew reportedly notified air traffic controllers nearly 10 minutes before the incident and contacted the Minot airport control tower 3 minutes later.
• ❓ However, the control tower did not advise the B-52 of the inbound commercial aircraft.
• 📊 Investigators will use flight data recorders from both aircraft and air traffic control radar data.

Air Traffic Control

• 🏢 The Minot airport control tower is operated by a private company contracted with the FAA.
• 📡 It is understood that the tower does not have its own radar system.
• 🤝 The Air Force states the flyover was planned in advance and approved by the FAA, with the B-52 crew reviewing their flight plan with air traffic controllers.