Delta Flight 3788 Avoids Midair Collision With B-52 Bomber Over North Dakota

A regional airliner, Delta Flight 3788 operated by SkyWest, made a sharp evasive turn while approaching Minot International Airport in North Dakota to avoid a midair collision with a B-52 bomber from Minot Air Force Base. The pilot announced the maneuver over the intercom, apologizing to passengers for the unexpected and aggressive action, explaining that he was not given prior warning despite the airport's reliance on visual flight direction and lack of radar operations. The Federal Aviation Administration and SkyWest are investigating the incident, which occurred during a flyover of the North Dakota State Fair by the military bomber. Passengers reacted with applause after the pilot’s explanation, noting the unusual nature of the event. This near-miss follows a tragic midair collision six months earlier involving an Army helicopter and a jetliner near Washington, D.C., which resulted in 67 fatalities. The incident highlights concerns about communication and coordination between civilian flights and military aircraft in shared airspace.