A Delta regional jet was forced to make a sudden evasive maneuver to avoid a potential mid-air collision with a U.S. military aircraft during a flight to North Dakota, according to passenger accounts and airline statements.
SkyWest Flight 3788, operating as a Delta Connection flight from Minneapolis to Minot, North Dakota, was nearing its destination on Friday when the incident occurred.
According to video and audio shared on social media, the pilot can be heard telling passengers he was forced to take an “aggressive” right turn after spotting what he identified as a B-52 bomber. “It was kind of, sort of coming at us,” he said. “So, sorry about the aggressive maneuver.”
Passenger Monica Green told the BBC the plane made a sharp turn, leaving her “facing the grass.” She said many passengers were initially confused and feared a mechanical issue.
The aircraft, a regional jet operated by SkyWest Airlines, had been cleared for approach when it encountered another aircraft in its flight path, prompting it to perform a go-around, the airline confirmed in a statement.
After landing safely, the pilot exited the cockpit to explain the situation. He said air traffic control initially instructed a right turn, but upon seeing the bomber on a converging course, he was told to turn left. Realizing the military aircraft was moving faster, he opted to maneuver behind it.
“This is not normal at all,” the pilot told passengers. “I don’t know why they didn’t give us a heads up.”
He concluded with an apology, saying, “Long story short, it was not fun, but I do apologize for it—and thank you for understanding.” The cabin reportedly erupted in applause.
SkyWest Airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched an investigation into the incident.
