B-52 Bomber That Nearly Hit Airliner Last Month Almost Collided with Small Plane Less Than a Minute Later

B-52 Bomber Involved in Near Collision with Airliner and Small Plane

A recent incident involving a B-52 bomber that nearly collided with a Delta Air Lines plane in North Dakota also saw the same bomber almost crash into a small private plane less than a minute later. The alarming events unfolded on July 19th above Minot, N.D. near the Minot International Airport, as detailed in a report by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

According to the NTSB report, the B-52 bomber, which was conducting a flyover above the North Dakota State Fairgrounds, experienced two close calls within moments of each other. The bomber came within a mere 1.25 miles of the Delta flight and dangerously approached the small Piper PA-28 private airplane, coming within a third of a mile from it.

The preliminary report released by the NTSB highlighted the sequence of events that transpired on that fateful day. Initially, a SkyWest pilot had to take evasive action to avoid a collision with the B-52 bomber while flying from Minneapolis to North Dakota. Subsequently, just a minute later, the same B-52 was on track to collide with the Piper PA-28 private aircraft.

The report noted that visibility was clear and extended up to 10 miles during the time of the incidents. However, there seemed to be some confusion among air traffic controllers, with one controller reportedly unsure about the identities of the aircraft being directed.

The U.S. Air Force confirmed that the B-52 crew was not warned about the proximity of the airliner, as the FAA and private controllers at Minot International Airport had given clearance for the bomber. The specific cause of these alarming near-misses remains unclear, and a final report is not expected to be concluded until 2026, according to ABC News.

Amidst the uncertainty and potential risks, all three aircraft managed to make safe landings following the hair-raising encounters. Despite the successful outcomes, questions linger about the lack of communication and coordination that led to such dangerous situations in the first place.

The pilot of the Delta Air Lines flight, in a video shared on social media, expressed surprise and frustration about the lack of prior warning regarding the approaching B-52 bomber. The pilot highlighted the absence of radar support in the area and emphasized the need for improved communication protocols to avert such incidents in the future.

As authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding these near collisions, it serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of maintaining strict adherence to aviation protocols and ensuring effective communication between air traffic controllers and pilots. The safety of passengers and crew must always remain the top priority in the skies.