The U.S. Air Force confirmed that the B-52 bomber involved in a close call with a Delta Airlines flight over North Dakota was following an approved flight path at the time. The incident occurred as the B-52 was conducting a pre-approved flyover at the North Dakota State Fair, coordinated in advance with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
According to the Air Force, the B-52 pilots were in communication with Minot International Airport and Minot Approach Control (RAPCON) throughout the flight. The crew completed all necessary checklists and communicated their flyover plan to both RAPCON and the airport’s air traffic control tower.
Minot Approach instructed the B-52 crew to contact the airport’s air traffic control after the flyover. The tower then directed the crew to continue westbound after the flyover, without notifying them of the incoming commercial aircraft.
The pilot of the Delta Airlines flight operated by SkyWest Airlines had to perform an “aggressive maneuver” to avoid a collision with the B-52. Passengers on the flight from Minneapolis to Minot experienced a tense moment as the aircraft circled the airport several times before landing safely.
The FAA is currently investigating the incident, and SkyWest Airlines, the operator of the Delta Connection flight, stated that they are also looking into the matter.
A video circulating on social media captured audio of the pilot explaining the situation to passengers and apologizing for the unexpected maneuver. The pilot expressed surprise at the lack of communication from the Air Force base and thanked passengers for their understanding.
Fox News’ Landon Mion contributed to this report, with Anders Hagstrom covering national politics and major breaking news events for Fox News Digital. Contact Anders Hagstrom at Anders.Hagstrom@Fox.com or on Twitter: @Hagstrom_Anders.