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Aircraft accidents

Delta Pilot Forced to Make Aggressive Maneuver to Avoid Mid-Air Collision with US B-52 Bomber

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A Delta Airlines pilot made an "aggressive maneuver" to avoid a mid-air collision with a U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber over North Dakota, leaving passengers shaken. The incident occurred during flight DL3788, an Embraer E175 Delta Connection operated by SkyWest Airlines, which was traveling from Minneapolis-Saint Paul to Minot International Airport on Friday night. The pilot explained that the close call happened when the USAF B-52 Stratofortress bomber from Minot Air Force Base was spotted, and despite relying on the control tower for instructions, the pilot was forced to act quickly to avoid the jet.

Key Takeaways:

  • The close call occurred during flight DL3788, an Embraer E175 Delta Connection operated by SkyWest Airlines, which was traveling from Minneapolis-Saint Paul to Minot International Airport on Friday night.
  • The pilot explained that the USAF B-52 Stratofortress bomber from Minot Air Force Base was spotted in front of the plane on the right-hand side, and despite relying on the control tower for instructions, the pilot was forced to act quickly to avoid the jet.
  • A spokesperson for SkyWest said that the incident is being investigated, and the plane landed safely in Minot after being cleared for approach by the tower.
  • Another Delta Airlines flight, DL446, was forced to return to its departing airport after one of the engines erupted into flames on the same day.
  • The incident highlights the importance of clear communication between aircraft and air traffic control to prevent mid-air collisions.

Statistics:

  • Flight DL3788 was traveling from Minneapolis-Saint Paul to Minot International Airport on Friday night.
  • The pilot explained that the USAF B-52 Stratofortress bomber from Minot Air Force Base was spotted approximately 200-300 feet away.
  • The plane landed safely in Minot International Airport after being cleared for approach by the tower.
  • Another Delta Airlines flight, DL446, was forced to return to its departing airport due to an engine issue on the same day.
  • SkyWest operates 36 aircraft on behalf of Delta Airlines as part of the Delta Connection program.

Sources:

  • Aviation Source News
  • Social media post by the pilot
  • Statement by SkyWest to the New York Post
  • Federal Aviation Administration
  • The Independent

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