Air Force Investigates B-52 Near Miss With Commercial Airliner

Key Takeaways

A SkyWest flight narrowly avoided a possible collision with a B-52 Stratofortress near Minot International Airport.
The B-52 was conducting a flyover for the North Dakota State Fair on July 18.
This incident raises safety concerns following a recent midair collision that resulted in casualties.

Incident Overview

The U.S. Air Force and SkyWest Airlines are investigating a close call involving a B-52 Stratofortress and a commercial passenger flight on July 18. SkyWest flight 3788, traveling from Minneapolis to Minot, was cleared for landing when the flight crew spotted another aircraft in their path, which prompted them to abort the approach and circle the airport.

SkyWest Airlines has initiated an investigation into the matter, emphasizing their commitment to passenger safety. An Air Force spokesperson confirmed that a B-52 from Minot Air Force Base was in the area for a flyover during the North Dakota State Fair but did not confirm a near miss or indicate the status of an investigation.

According to a pilot on the commercial flight, an “aggressive maneuver” was necessary to avoid the military aircraft. A passenger named Monica Green recorded a video where the pilot explained the unexpected situation. The pilot shared details about receiving conflicting instructions from air traffic control while managing the potential collision course with the B-52.

This significant safety concern comes months after a fatal midair collision over the Potomac River involving an Army Black Hawk helicopter and a passenger aircraft that resulted in 67 fatalities. Additionally, another incident in May prompted two jets to alter their flight paths over Washington, D.C., raising alarms about airspace sharing between commercial and military flights.

With increased scrutiny on air traffic management, both agencies are working to ensure incidents like this are prevented in the future. The pilot’s experience highlights the critical need for clear communication and coordination between air traffic control and military operations, particularly around busy civilian airports. Such near misses underscore ongoing challenges in maintaining safety in increasingly crowded airspace, necessitating thorough investigations and improved protocols.

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