Quick Summary
- Delta regional jet (flight DL3788) executed an “aggressive maneuver” near Minot, North Dakota, to avoid a mid-air collision with a U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber.
- The pilot’s quick-thinking use of a “go-around” ensured all aboard remained safe.
- This incident highlights critical issues in airspace safety, communication between civilian and military aviation, and pilot readiness for unexpected situations.
What Happened Between Delta Flight 3788 and the B-52 Bomber?
On July 18, Delta flight DL3788, operated by SkyWest, was on approach to Minot International Airport. Minot, home to a major Air Force base and a fleet of B-52 bombers, presents unique airspace challenges.
As the Delta jet prepared to land, air traffic control instructed the flight to alter its course due to insufficient separation from another aircraft ahead. While following these instructions, the pilot and crew encountered a military aircraft, a B-52 bomber, suddenly approaching on a converging path. There was no warning from controllers about this military traffic.
With split-second decision-making, the pilot turned the regional jet behind the fast-moving bomber, calling this “the safest thing to do.” After the flight, he apologized to passengers for the abrupt maneuver and acknowledged the rarity and danger of such incidents.
Key facts:
- Flight: Delta/SkyWest 3788, Minneapolis to Minot.
- Incident: Near-miss with a B-52 bomber during approach.
- Action: Sudden, aggressive turn (go-around) avoided collision.
- Aftermath: SkyWest, the airline, is investigating the incident.
- Passengers: Some witnessed the bomber; all arrived safely.
What Is a ‘Go-Around’ Maneuver in Aviation?
A “go-around” is a standard aviation procedure, but as this incident shows, it’s not always routine.
How Does a Go-Around Work?
- When to Go Around: Pilots initiate a go-around whenever a landing isn’t safe or stable: wrong approach speed, another aircraft or obstacle on the runway, bad weather, or sudden air traffic instructions.
- What Happens: At low altitude just before landing, the pilot applies full power, climbs away, and circles the airport or lines up for another approach.
- Why It Matters: Go-arounds are critical tools for air safety, giving pilots options in rapidly changing circumstances.
A go-around is not a failed landing; it’s a successful decision to prioritize safety over schedule.
Why Was This Go-Around So Dramatic?
Most go-arounds aren’t even noticed by passengers. In Minot, however, the maneuver was described by the pilot as “aggressive,” prompting a full cabin announcement after landing.
What Made This Incident Different?
- Unexpected Danger: A large military plane, far larger and faster than a regional jet, suddenly appeared on an apparent collision course, invisible until moments before.
- Communication Gaps: The pilot highlighted in his announcement that there was no prior warning about the B-52’s presence. Minot International Airport lacks its own radar and relies on visual cues and information relayed from adjacent facilities. Yet Minot Air Force Base, less than 10 miles away, does have radar and military monitoring. The pilot questioned why no advisory was issued about the bomber.
- Passenger Experience: Some passengers saw the massive B-52 pass alarmingly close out their windows. For many, the abrupt course change felt extreme and concerning, followed by a candid, honest apology from the pilot.
What Does This Mean for Airspace Safety Near Military Bases?
The incident underscores major issues in shared civilian-military airspace.
Points of Concern:
- Communication: Effective, real-time exchange of traffic information between civilian and military controllers is essential, especially at airports with joint airspace use.
- Surveillance Gaps: Not all regional airports have radar. Reliance on visual observation and radio can create risks for unexpected, fast-moving military aircraft.
- Human Factor: The professionalism and transparency of the Delta (SkyWest) pilots were critical to the safe outcome. The pilot’s composure and honesty helped reassure passengers and put a spotlight on the complexity of aviation safety.
What Can Passengers Learn From This Incident?
- Go-arounds are Safe: They are standard aviation procedures, not emergencies or failures.
- Situational Awareness: Pilots are trained for precisely these scenarios, acting quickly to preserve safety.
- Improved Coordination Needed: Incidents like this are rare, but they show there’s always room to improve coordination between civilian and military operations.
- Ask Questions: Passengers should feel comfortable asking flight crews for information after unusual events; pilots are usually happy to explain.
Glossary: Key Terms and Phrases
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Go-Around | When a pilot aborts a landing and climbs away for another approach or diversion |
| Airspace | The sky above a specific area, managed for safe use by civilian and military aircraft |
| B-52 Bomber | A large, long-range U.S. Air Force bomber, operational since the 1950s |
| Civilian ATC | Air traffic control for passenger/commercial planes |
| Military ATC | Air traffic control for defense/military aircraft and operations |