How did a commercial flight narrowly escape a catastrophic collision with a U.S. military jet? The FAA is investigating this shocking near-miss.
At a Glance
- A SkyWest Airlines flight and a U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber nearly collided near Minot, North Dakota.
- The incident occurred on July 18, 2025, during a planned B-52 flyover.
- The FAA is scrutinizing airspace coordination and safety protocols.
- No injuries were reported, and both aircraft landed safely.
FAA Probes Close Call in North Dakota Skies
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is launching a comprehensive investigation into a distressing near-collision between a SkyWest Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber. The incident took place near Minot, North Dakota, on July 18, 2025, when the SkyWest flight, operating under the Delta Connection brand, was forced to execute a go-around maneuver. This action was necessary to avoid a disastrous encounter with the B-52, which unexpectedly crossed its path during a planned flyover.
The go-around, a standard safety procedure, was performed after the SkyWest crew visually identified the military aircraft in their flight corridor. This incident has raised serious questions about the coordination between civilian and military flight operations, particularly in controlled airspace near joint-use airports like Minot International, which facilitates both types of traffic.
Military Coordination Under Scrutiny
Minot Air Force Base is a significant hub for B-52 operations, often conducting training and ceremonial flyovers. The B-52 involved in the incident had received prior approval from the FAA, highlighting an existing coordination framework between military planners and civilian air traffic control. Despite this pre-approval, the near-miss underscores potential lapses in communication or procedural execution.
Close calls between civilian and military aircraft are rare but not unheard of. They often lead to thorough reviews of airspace management and communication protocols. Past incidents have prompted the FAA to evaluate and refine these protocols, aiming to enhance safety and prevent future occurrences.
Stakeholders React to the Incident
The primary organizations involved include the FAA, SkyWest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, the U.S. Air Force, and Minot International Airport. Each has vested interests in ensuring airspace safety, maintaining operational integrity, and preserving public trust. The FAA, as the regulatory authority, is tasked with investigating such incidents and enforcing aviation regulations.
SkyWest Airlines and Delta Air Lines prioritize passenger safety and regulatory compliance, while the U.S. Air Force focuses on conducting safe training exercises and flyovers. The incident at Minot has prompted all parties to re-evaluate their roles and responsibilities in shared airspace operations, with the FAA leading the investigation to determine the sequence of events and accountability.
Potential Impacts on Aviation Protocols
The FAA’s investigation, announced on July 21, 2025, is set to examine flight data and air traffic communications. Both the FAA and the U.S. Air Force have acknowledged the incident and are cooperating fully. While no injuries or damages were reported, the situation highlights the need for increased scrutiny of airspace coordination near joint-use airports.
Short-term impacts may include temporary adjustments to procedures for military flyovers. In the long term, the FAA might revise its coordination protocols with the military, potentially leading to enhanced training for both civilian and military air traffic controllers. Such revisions could influence future FAA regulations and military training strategies, ensuring stricter adherence to safety measures.
