[Report] According to ABC, The New York Post, and other media outlets on the 20th of local time, a flight from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Maynard International Airport in North Dakota, DL3788, operated by American Airlines, narrowly avoided a collision with a B-52 bomber during its flight. The pilot reported that to avoid an airborne collision with the bomber, he took “aggressive maneuvers.”
The Indian Express, citing Aviation A2Z, reported similar news. The pilot reported that due to not having enough space ahead of another aircraft on the approach path, air traffic controllers directed DL3788 to change its course. However, when the crew followed the instructions to change course, they found a military aircraft rapidly approaching along the convergence path. The pilot then explained to the public through the broadcast system that turning behind the bomber was the safest option because he had not received any warning about military traffic beforehand. He also mentioned that such incidents are extremely rare, especially considering that Maynard Air Force Base is equipped with radar but did not issue any warning about the presence of the bomber in that airspace.
ABC reported that after landing, the pilot apologized to passengers for his sudden actions and explained the situation. According to the recording, the pilot said, “Considering its speed… I don’t know how fast it was going, but it was much faster than us, and I felt turning behind it was the safest option.” “I’m sorry for taking such aggressive maneuvers, which caught me off guard, which is completely unacceptable. I don’t know why they didn’t warn us in advance because the air force base has radar… In short, it was unpleasant, but I am sorry for that, and thank you for your understanding. It was truly a terrible day.”
American media explained that Maynard Air Force Base houses the 5th Bomber Wing and the 91st Missile Wing, as well as a large number of U.S. Air Force equipment and vehicles, including 26 B-52 bombers.
In response, SkyWest Airlines, the airline operating the flight, stated in a statement that the flight safely landed at Maynard after obtaining permission from the tower. The company is investigating the incident.
A spokesperson for the U.S. Air Force told ABC on the evening of the 20th that “We have noticed recent reports about commercial airplanes and Air Force aircraft flying near Maynard International Airport. We are currently investigating this matter. We can confirm that a B-52 bomber deployed at Maynard Air Force Base flew over North Dakota on Friday (the 18th) night.”