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| A B-52 bomber from Minot Air Force Base conducts a flyover above the North Dakota State Fair in Minot on Friday, July 18, 2025. The image was provided by the North Dakota Governor’s Office (inquirer.net/AP) |
A tense incident in the skies over North Dakota on Friday night led to emergency maneuvers by a Delta Connection regional jet to avoid what authorities describe as a near-collision with a U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber according to a report by the NPR on Monday, July 21, 2025. Investigations are now underway by federal agencies and the Air Force after the jet’s pilot abruptly altered course just short of Minot International Airport, averting a potential disaster witnessed by thousands attending the North Dakota State Fair below.
The SkyWest Airlines flight, operating as Delta Flight 3788 from Minneapolis, was preparing for final approach in Minot when the flight crew spotted an unexpected, fast-approaching military aircraft heading into their path. In audio shared by passengers and confirmed by the airline, the jet’s pilot told those on board that he had not received any warning about the B-52’s presence. “I don’t know how fast they were going, but they were a lot faster than us. I felt it was the safest thing to do to turn behind it,” the pilot said, apologizing for the “aggressive maneuver” that sent the aircraft into a sharp, evasive turn moments before potential contact with the bomber.
The B-52 Stratofortress, based out of Minot Air Force Base, was conducting an authorized flyover of the fair at almost the exact time as the flight’s approach. Spectators below captured the event on video, unaware that they were witnesses to a potentially catastrophic event. The pilot’s quick decision allowed the SkyWest Embraer 175 to safely abort landing, circle, and return for a secure touchdown at Minot’s airport. Passengers reportedly broke into applause after the incident as the pilot explained that the move, while abrupt and startling, was critical for their safety.
According to federal officials, the Delta-operated jet was cleared for approach by airport controllers, but the B-52’s appearance prompted a sudden change in the commercial aircraft’s flight path. Both the airline and the Air Force stated they are actively investigating the sequence of events. The Minot control tower, operated by a contractor and not directly by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), is also part of the inquiry. The FAA released a statement confirming it is investigating the occurrence, while SkyWest Airlines echoed that its procedures and communications with air traffic control are under review.
The Air Force acknowledged that their aircraft was carrying out a sanctioned flyover at the fair on Friday night, confirming that communications were ongoing with air traffic control. However, federal agencies have not disclosed how close the two planes came to actual impact or whether anti-collision technology in the cockpit was activated.
The event underscores the challenges of airspace coordination near major civilian gatherings and military operations. With thousands of spectators and dignitaries, including the Governor of North Dakota, present for the air show, every measure was crucial. Both aircraft landed safely, but the investigation will likely examine communication protocols and radar awareness to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As of Monday, official statements from SkyWest, Delta, the FAA, and the Minot Air Force Base report that their respective internal investigations are ongoing, with conclusions and any proposed improvements or procedural changes expected in the weeks ahead.
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