A Regional Delta Jet in the approach to Minot, North Dakota, made an “aggressive maneuver” to avoid a collision in the air with a B-52 bomber, according to Delta’s pilot.
The incident took place on July 18, according to the airline. The flight, operated by Skywest, had left Minneapolis. Once on the ground, the pilot apologized to the passengers for the abrupt movement and explained the situation.
The pilot of an E175Lr plane from Delta Connection Erbraer, such as the one shown here, was forced to make an “aggressive” maneuver, on July 19, 2025, to avoid a collision in the air with a B-22 bombarder of the Air Force. (Getty)
Kevin Carter/Getty Images
“Given his speed … I don’t know how fast they were going, but they were much faster than us, I felt it was the safest to go back,” said the pilot, according to a recording of the conversation. “I’m very sorry for the aggressive maneuver, I was surprised, this is not normal at all. I don’t know why they didn’t give us a warning, because the base of the Air Force has a radar … long short history, it was not fun, but I apologize for it and thanks for understanding. It is not a fun day at work.”
It is not clear how close the two planes came from each other or if a cabin alarm was activated to warn the pilots of a potential collision. Minot is home to a base of the Air Force with B-52 bombers.
“We are aware of the recent reports on commercial and air force aircraft that operate in the airspace around the Minot International Airport. We are currently investigating the matter. We can confirm that a B-52 plane assigned to Minot AFB made an elevated step of the North Dakota State Fair on Friday night,” said a spokesman for the Air Force to the ABC News.
Skywest said he is investigating the incident.
“Skywest Flight 3788, which functions as Delta’s connection from Minneapolis, Minnesota to Minot, North Dakota, landed safely in Minot after being clear so that the tower approaches the tower, but made a return when another plane became visible on its flight route. We are investigating the incident,” according to a spokesman.
