SkyWest flight narrowly avoids collision with US Air Force B-52

Both SkyWest Airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are investigating this occurrence. In a video recorded by a passenger and shared on social media, one of the pilots explained: “On your right-hand side, you probably saw the airplane coming at us. Nobody told us about it…. 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.”

The pilot also noted that Minot International Airport lacks radar coverage and relies on visual observation for air traffic control operations. Initially instructed to turn right by ATC, he observed a B-52 bomber in that direction and was then advised to turn left where he again spotted an approaching B-52.

Such encounters are reportedly rare given that Minot Air Force Base has radar systems and this route is regularly used by B-52s. Concluding his explanation in the video, he apologized: “Long story short, it was not fun, but I do apologize for it, and thank you for understanding.”

This incident has brought aviation safety standards into focus following other recent close-call events in US airspace.