A Delta Connection flight only narrowly escaped a possible mid-air crash with a United States Air Force B-52 bomber off the coast of Minot, North Dakota, after the pilot executed an emergency go-around procedure on final approach, preventing what could have been a fatal crash.
It happened on July 18 when SkyWest flight 3788, which was operated by Delta Connection, was making its final approach into Minot International Airport (MOT) from Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP). The Embraer E175 plane was in the process of final approach when the pilot noticed a B-52 bomber crossing in front of it.
According to passengers onboard, the Delta pilot made an abrupt yet controlled turn to avoid the bomber. “Given his speed… I felt it was safest to turn behind it,” the pilot explained to passengers after landing safely at Minot. The pilot spoke to worried passengers, apologizing for the unexpected move and explaining that the presence of the military plane came without warning from air traffic controllers. “So sorry about the rough maneuver, it surprised me… Not a nice day at work,” the pilot allegedly said to passengers in a tape authenticated by NBC News. Passengers applauded the crew’s quick reaction, crediting the pilot’s professionalism for preventing a potential disaster.
What Is Go-Around Maneuver?
A go-around maneuver is a routine aviation safety procedure in which pilots abandon a landing approach and fly around for another attempt or divert to an alternate airport. Aviation specialists define it as an essential skill that provides safe separation among aircraft in uncertain situations. ATR, an airplane manufacturer, characterises a go-around as “a critical flight maneuver” that can be executed any time prior to landing gear touchdown and deceleration devices such as thrust reversers being extended.
Minot is the location of a large US Air Force base flying B-52 Stratofortress bombers. Minot International Airport does not have its own radar, relying on visual procedures and coordination with military traffic. Though the US Air Force did confirm a B-52 flyover occurred for the North Dakota State Fair, it did not explain why a warning had not been given to the Delta crew in real time. Both the USAF and SkyWest have said the incident is being investigated. This is not the first recent close call between Delta pilots and military aircraft. Earlier this year, in March 2025, a Delta Airbus A319 flew very close to colliding with a USAF T-38 Talon while departing from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). In that case, the Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System on board the airplane initiated evasive maneuvers, yet again avoiding disaster.
SkyWest flight 3788 landed safely even after the mid-air scare, with no injuries reported. Both Delta Air Lines and SkyWest Airlines reiterated their priority of passenger safety. The US Air Force and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are conducting a joint investigation into the incident to find out if there were any procedural failures.