SkyWest pilot makes ‘aggressive maneuver’ to avoid B-52 midair collision

A commercial jetliner on approach to Minot, North Dakota, made a sudden go-around to avoid a near collision with the U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber on Friday

The jet, operated by SkyWest as a Delta connection flight, had been cleared to land, according to the pilot and the airline

But mid-approach, the pilot says another aircraft suddenly appeared in his flight path, forcing an abrupt diversion

SkyWest has launched an investigation. The Air Force confirmed a B-52 was conducting a flyover at the North Dakota State Fair in Minot

but gave no details on altitude or route. Minot is home to both a commercial airport and an Air Force base

In a video posted to social media, the pilot described the incident to passengers

calling the B-52 a surprise and apologizing for the aggressive maneuver. 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 airport base does have radar and nobody said hey there also a B in the pattern Long story short it was not fun but I do apologize for it and thank you for understanding

It's not a fun day. Have a nice evening. Flight tracker data reviewed by the Washington Post shows the regional jet made a sharp right turn

and climbed before circling back to land safely. The B-52 appeared to be flying repeated loops in

the area at the time. The Air Force says it's aware of the reports and is looking into the

matter. One passenger told NBC News the experience was deeply unsettling, saying the plane seemed to

move sideways and she couldn't see the skyline anymore. Close call comes amid renewed concerns

about coordination between military and civilian aircraft following a deadly mid-air collision

earlier this year between a Blackhawk helicopter and an American Airlines passenger jet over

Washington, D.C. More than 60 people were killed. For more on this story

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