Close Encounter: Airline Pilot’s Thrilling Mid-Air Moment with a B-52 in North Dakota

On a Friday evening, a SkyWest flight was about to land at Minot International Airport in North Dakota. Suddenly, the pilot spotted a massive B-52 Stratofortress heading directly toward them. He quickly maneuvered the smaller Embraer jet to avoid a collision. Passengers were relieved and applauded the pilot, who admitted later that nobody had warned them about the military aircraft.

Both the Air Force and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are now investigating this unusual incident. Apparently, the B-52 was performing a flyover as part of an event at the North Dakota State Fair, timed with a concert by country artist Bailey Zimmerman. North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong was present and shared a dramatic photo of the bomber on social media.

During the tense moments, the SkyWest flight had just descended from 34,000 feet, nearing the airport when the B-52 appeared. Despite air traffic control’s visual operational methods, the pilot suggested that the Air Force should have communicated better since they have radar capabilities.

This isn’t just an isolated incident. In fact, just six months prior, 67 people lost their lives when a Black Hawk helicopter collided with a regional jet near Washington D.C. Such near misses remind us of the importance of clear communication and oversight in air traffic control, especially as more private contractors operate control towers in the U.S.

According to the FAA, these contract controllers must hold the same required qualifications as federal controllers, but the lack of radar at smaller airports like Minot raises questions about air safety. After all, unexpected encounters like this not only frighten passengers but can also lead to more serious accidents if not addressed.

As air traffic continues to grow, keeping the skies safe requires everyone to be on the same page—especially during major events that might involve military operations.



Source link