Embraer Jet Avoids Collision with B-52 Bomber Near Minot AFB

A near miss between a regional Embraer E175 jet and a U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber over North Dakota on July 19, has raised safety concerns involving mixed civil-military airspace.

The SkyWest-operated Delta Connection flight was on final approach to Minot International Airport when the crew spotted a fast-approaching aircraft on their path. With little time to react, the pilot performed an abrupt go-around maneuver to avoid the B-52, which was reportedly conducting a flyover from nearby Minot Air Force Base.

The jet, registration N604CZ, was operating flight DL3788 between Minneapolis and Minot. ADS-B recordings show the aircraft making a right turn and then an orbit to return to the landing ramp.

Recordings from the cockpit reveal the pilot’s immediate explanation to passengers, describing the evasive move as unexpected and expressing frustration at the lack of prior warning: “Not a fun day at work,” he remarked.

The U.S. Air Force confirmed that a B-52 was active in the area that evening but did not elaborate on coordination with civilian air traffic. It remains unclear how close the aircraft came or whether cockpit collision alerts were triggered.

SkyWest Airlines is investigating the incident. Despite the tension in the air, the flight landed safely, with no injuries reported.

This event highlights the ongoing challenges of integrating civilian and military flight operations near strategic bases, especially when operating high-performance aircraft with vastly different speeds and flight envelopes.

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Ricardo Meier

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