Delta Connection pilots encountered an unexpected guest on final approach to Minot: a B-52 bomber, which required an “aggressive maneuver” to avoid. The US Air Force has now responded.
Delta Jet Makes “Aggressive Maneuver” To Avoid B-52 Bomber
Delta Connection flight 3788 from Minneapolis (MSP) to Minot (MOT), was operated by Endeavor Air, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Delta Air Lines, using an Embraer E-175 regional jet. While on visual approach into Minot International Airport on Thursday, July 18th, air traffic control vectored the aircraft directly toward a B-52 bomber. The resulting conflict led to an “aggressive maneuver” to avoid a mid-air collision—and a remarkably candid explanation from the flight deck.
Minot has no radar coverage for final approach, and separation is handled visually. On this day, ATC issued what appeared to be routine pattern instructions. But the pilot realized too late that the spacing would not be adequate to maintain safe separation.
After executing a turn to avoid the bomber and initiating a go-around, the pilot came on the PA and explained exactly what happened. One passenger recorded the entire announcement:
“For those of you on the right‑hand side, you probably saw the airplane kind of sort of coming at us. Nobody told us about it, so we continued and there’s no radar here, so the tower does everything visually. So they sent us about six miles from the airport, so we did that, I think he realized that the spacing wasn’t going to work, and I looked over and there was an airplane that was supposed to be on the right‑hand side.
“I thought it was a small airplane, like the ones you see at the airport right now doing touch and goes. And he said turn right, and I said there’s an airplane over there, and he says turn left, and by the time we read back the clearance, we looked over and saw the airplane that was kind of coming on a convergent course with us.
“So given his speed, it was a military aircraft, it was the safest thing to do to turn behind it. So sorry for the aggressive maneuver, it caught me by surprise, and it’s not normal at all. I don’t know why they didn’t give us a heads up. Because the airport base does have radar, and nobody said ‘hey, there’s also a B‑52 in the pattern.’
“Long story short, it wasn’t fun, and I do apologize for it, and thank you for your understanding. Not a fun day at work.”
The aircraft circled and landed safely shortly after. Passengers reportedly applauded the pilot’s transparency. You can hear the pilot’s own words below:
@azamora616 #plane#nearmiss#flight3788 @delta *sent to me by my sister . She was on the flight and made this recording *UPDATE* this was flight 3788 on 07/18/2025
(contrary to what the video says, the flight occurred on 18 July, not 19 July 2025)
Minot is home to Minot Air Force Base and the 5th Bomb Wing, which operates B-52 Stratofortresses. Civilian and military traffic often share the same airspace, but rarely with this kind of conflict.
According to flight tracking data, the incident occurred near the airport and at a relatively low altitude. While there’s no indication of TCAS alerts or near-miss classification by the FAA, the pilot’s decision to maneuver away from the converging B-52 suggests the closure rate was significant.
The Air Force Responds
The USAF has now provided its version of events, claiming it followed all procedures and was transparent about its route:
On Friday, July 18, at approximately 7:50 p.m., a B-52 bomber from Minot AFB conducted a flyover at the North Dakota State Fairgrounds. This flyover was a special event recognizing the city of Minot as a ‘Great American Defense Community,’ an honor that highlights the city’s strong support for the military.
The flyover was planned in advance and approved by the Federal Aviation Administration. This included the FAA’s local Flight Standards District Office, Minot International Airport air traffic control personnel, and Minot Approach Control (RAPCON).
At approximately 7:10 p.m. prior to the flyover, the B-52 crew contacted Minot Approach (RAPCON) to prepare for the flyover. Required checklists were completed, and the crew remained in contact with Minot Approach as it flew to its holding point 12 miles east of the fairgrounds. While holding, the B-52 crew communicated the flyover plan to both RAPCON and Minot International Airport’s air traffic control tower.
At 7:40 p.m., the B-52 crew advised Minot Approach they were departing the holding point for the fairgrounds.
Minot Approach directed the B-52 crew at 7:43 p.m. to contact Minot International Airport’s air traffic control. The B-52 crew contacted Minot International Airport tower and the tower provided instructions to continue 2 miles westbound after the flyover. The tower did not advise of the inbound commercial aircraft.
The B-52 crossed the fairgrounds show center at 7:50 p.m. and proceeded west as directed to clear Minot International Tower’s airspace before returning to Minot AFB.
It is now up to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to investigate.
CONCLUSION
At least thus far, I’m not sensing overreaction or dramatization on the part of the pilot: this appears to have been a real safety issue. Nevertheless, the USAF has insisted that it did nothing wrong and clearly communicated its flight path on a radio signal that the Delta Connection pilot should have heard.
The most striking part of this story is not the maneuver itself, but the pilot’s honesty afterward. We don’t usually hear the full picture, especially when something goes wrong. His calm, detailed explanation went a long way in reassuring passengers that their safety was never taken for granted. We need more of that in the flight deck-to-cabin communication playbook…I applaud this pilot.
> Read More: B-2 Stealth Bomber Soars Over My House
Hat Tip: One Mile At A Time
The pilot did the flying public a service by calling attention to a problem that needs correction. He mentioned it was not a good day at work, but he did a terrific job and many will be eternally grateful.
Air traffic control did not vector the aircraft. There is no such thing as a non-radar vector. They instructed him how to enter the pattern, that is not a vector.
All I can say…. Mind Rot, ND is the other name for Minot, ND