Pilot’s Daring Maneuver to Dodge B-52 Bomber in North Dakota: His Thrilling Tale Unveiled

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A recent flight over North Dakota took an unexpected turn when the pilot of Delta Flight 3788 spotted a military B-52 bomber in the aircraft’s path. This happened while the plane was approaching Minot International Airport.

As captured in a passenger’s video, the SkyWest pilot quickly explained the situation over the intercom. “Sorry about the aggressive maneuver. It caught me by surprise,” he said, adding that he hadn’t received any warning about the bomber’s presence. Passengers responded with applause after his explanation, relieved everyone was safe.

The routine flight left from Minneapolis-St. Paul and safely landed in Minot after the pilot executed a “go-around” maneuver. This is a common procedure when pilots need to avoid obstacles on approach. Interestingly, Minot’s airport operates without its own radar, relying on visual instructions from the control tower.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is looking into the incident, along with SkyWest. The pilot pointed out that while Minot’s airport lacks radar, Minot Air Force Base—just 10 miles away—does have radar capabilities. He expressed frustration that there was no communication about the bomber being in the area.

“It’s concerning because small airports like Minot can have busy traffic, yet many lack advanced radar systems,” an aviation expert explained. A study from the FAA reported that nearly 90% of the nation’s airports don’t have towers, which can lead to these close encounters.

This incident is particularly significant in light of a tragic midair collision in Washington, D.C., six months prior that resulted in 67 fatalities. The lessons learned from such events highlight the importance of thorough communication between military and civilian flight operations.

In the wake of the North Dakota incident, social media has seen an influx of reactions. Many users shared their own experiences with unexpected maneuvers during flights, emphasizing the need for safety and clear communication in aviation.

As the investigation continues, one thing stands clear: ensuring the safety of both military and commercial flights requires constant vigilance and coordination.



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