Aggressive maneuver needed to avoid a mid-air collision

DELTA EMBRAER E175LR N612CZ (MSN 17000201)

A Delta Connection flight operated by Endeavor Air had a tense moment in the skies above North Dakota on Friday when it was forced to take an "aggressive maneuver" to avoid a mid-air collision with a military B-52 Stratofortress.

The Embraer E175LR was on approach to Minot International Airport (MOT/KMOT), where the airspace is controlled visually due to the lack of radar coverage. The incident occurred as the aircraft neared the airport, with no prior warning from air traffic control about the presence of military aircraft in the area.

Shortly after landing safely, the pilot addressed passengers over the intercom and provided a detailed explanation. "Those of you on the right-hand side, you probably saw the airplane kind of sort of coming at us," he said. He explained that the tower at Minot operates visually and had instructed them to report six miles out, but as they followed those directions, the situation quickly changed. After being told to turn right and then left, the crew spotted the B-52 on a converging course. 

""Given his speed. felt it was the safest thing to do to turn behind him," the pilot said.

He also voiced his frustration with the lack of coordination, noting that although the base has radar, no one alerted them about the presence of the bomber. "This is not normal at all... Not a fun day at work today," he admitted, apologizing to passengers for the sudden sharp maneuver. Fortunately, the flight concluded without injuries, but the incident has raised concerns about communication and safety protocols near joint-use airfields like Minot.