Close call: Delta Airlines flight makes ‘aggressive maneuver' mid-air to avoid B-52 bomber; ‘not a fun day at work' says pilot
A Delta regional jet approaching Minot, North Dakota, was forced to make an "aggressive maneuver" to avoid a potential mid-air collision with a B-52 bomber, according to the pilot.
The incident reportedly took place on July 18, as per the airline.
The
Delta Airlines
flight DL3788, operated by SkyWest, was traveling between Minneapolis-Saint Paul (MSP) and Minot International Airport (MOT). Minot hosts an Air Force base that operates B-52 bombers.
"Given his speed ... I don't know how fast they were going, but they were a lot faster than us, I felt it was the safest thing to do to turn behind it," said the pilot once on ground, reports ABC News.
"So sorry about the aggressive maneuver, it caught me by surprise, this is not normal at all. I don't know why they didn't give us a heads up, because the Air Force base does have radar ... long story short, it was not fun, but I do apologize for it and thank you for understanding.
Not a not a fun day at work."
The pilot reported that air traffic controllers directed the flight to alter its course because of insufficient separation from another aircraft ahead on the approach path, as per A2Z Aviation.
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As the crew carried out the instructed course change, they observed a rapidly approaching military aircraft on a converging path. The pilot later explained over the public address system that turning behind the bomber was the safest option as there was no prior warning about military traffic.
Passengers seated on the right side of the aircraft reportedly saw the large B-52 bomber up close, intensifying concerns onboard.
The pilot stressed that such incidents are extremely rare, particularly considering that Minot Air Force Base is equipped with radar, yet no advisory had been issued about the bomber's presence in the airspace, reports A2Z Aviation.
It is still not clear how close the two jets were to each other and if a cockpit alarm was activated warning the pilots about an upcoming collision.
'SkyWest flight 3788, operating as Delta Connection from Minneapolis, Minnesota to Minot, North Dakota, landed safely in Minot after being cleared for approach by the tower but performed a go-around when another aircraft became visible in their flight path. We are investigating the incident," stated a SkyWest spokesperson.
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