Pilot Describes Near-Collision with Air Force B-52 Bomber

Near-Miss Incident Details

• ✈️ A Delta Connection flight, operated by SkyWest Airlines with 80 people on board, was approaching Minot International Airport in North Dakota.
• ⚠️ The pilot reported a near-collision with a U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber.
• 🚨 The pilot stated the planes came close enough that he was concerned passengers might have seen the bomber.

Pilot's Account and Response

• 🗣️ After landing safely, the pilot apologized to passengers for an aggressive maneuver that was necessary due to the surprise appearance of the bomber.
• ❓ The pilot questioned why air traffic control or the Air Force base, which has radar, did not provide a heads-up about the B-52 being in the pattern.
• 👏 Passengers responded with applause for the pilot's handling of the situation.

Investigation and Official Statements

• 🔍 SkyWest Airlines is investigating the incident and confirmed the flight was cleared to land before taking evasive action.
• 📊 The FAA is still gathering information and is expected to launch a formal investigation.
• 🤐 The U.S. Air Force has not yet commented on the incident.