Archive · 23 Jul 2025
Air Force: North Dakota Controllers Failed to Warn of Airliner
A passenger plane nearly collided with a military bomber near a North Dakota airport.
The pilot of the plane had to quickly turn to avoid the bomber, which was doing a flyover.
The Air Force said the airport's air traffic controllers didn't tell the bomber about the plane.
Everyone is now investigating to figure out what went wrong and why the controllers didn't give a warning.
This situation has raised questions about how well the military and civilian air traffic controllers share information to prevent such events.
A SkyWest pilot performed a sharp turn to avoid a B-52 bomber near Minot International Airport.
The B-52 bomber was conducting a flyover at the North Dakota State Fair.
Air Force stated that the Minot airport air traffic control did not inform the bomber's crew of the commercial aircraft.
The FAA, Air Force, and SkyWest are investigating the incident.
The incident has raised questions about communication between military and civilian air traffic control.
- Who
- A SkyWest pilot and a B-52 bomber crew were involved.
- What
- A commercial airliner and a B-52 bomber nearly collided near Minot International Airport.
- When
- The incident occurred shortly before 8 pm on Friday.
- Where
- Minot International Airport, North Dakota.
- Why
- The incident is under investigation, but the initial cause seems to be a lack of communication between air traffic control and the bomber crew regarding the presence of the commercial aircraft.
Concerns Over Air Safety
Defense of Existing Systems
Air Traffic Control Oversight
Concerns Over Air Safety
Some suggest that this incident highlights potential shortcomings in communication protocols and oversight within the air traffic control system, specifically raising questions about the effectiveness of contract tower programs and the FAA's monitoring capabilities.
Defense of Existing Systems
Others maintain that the contract tower program has been successful and improves safety at smaller airports and should not be indicted due to this incident.
- Airline
- SkyWest
- Aircraft Involved
- B-52 Bomber, Delta Flight 3788
- Location
- Minot International Airport
- Passengers on board
- 76
- Crew Members on board
- 4