Delta Jet's Dramatic Evasive Maneuver to Avoid B-52 Bomber Sparks FAA Investigation

A Delta Connection regional jet operated by SkyWest was forced to make an abrupt, 'aggressive maneuver' to avoid a midair collision with a U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber while approaching Minot International Airport in North Dakota.

The incident, which was caught on video and widely shared online, occurred during a B-52 flyover at the North Dakota State Fair. Passengers described the evasive action as feeling like a roller coaster, and the pilot apologized, citing a lack of warning from air traffic controllers. Both the FAA and the Air Force are investigating, with initial reports blaming air traffic controllers for failing to alert either crew about the other's presence.

The near-miss has raised concerns about air traffic control protocols and the safety of shared civilian-military airspace.