General Discussion

Delta Connection flight 3788 from Minneapolis (MSP) to Minot (MOT), was operated by Endeavor Air, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Delta Air Lines, using an Embraer E-175 regional jet. While on visual approach into Minot International Airport on Thursday, July 18th, air traffic control vectored the aircraft directly toward a B-52 bomber. The resulting conflict led to an “aggressive maneuver” to avoid a mid-air collision—and a remarkably candid explanation from the flight deck.

Minot has no radar coverage for final approach, and separation is handled visually. On this day, ATC issued what appeared to be routine pattern instructions. But the pilot realized too late that the spacing would not be adequate to maintain safe separation.

After executing a turn to avoid the bomber and initiating a go-around, the pilot came on the PA and explained exactly what happened. One passenger recorded the entire announcement:

“For those of you on the right‑hand side, you probably saw the airplane kind of sort of coming at us. Nobody told us about it, so we continued and there’s no radar here, so the tower does everything visually. So they sent us about six miles from the airport, so we did that, I think he realized that the spacing wasn’t going to work, and I looked over and there was an airplane that was supposed to be on the right‑hand side.

“I thought it was a small airplane, like the ones you see at the airport right now doing touch and goes. And he said turn right, and I said there’s an airplane over there, and he says turn left, and by the time we read back the clearance, we looked over and saw the airplane that was kind of coming on a convergent course with us.

“So given his speed, it was a military aircraft, it was the safest thing to do to turn behind it. So sorry for the aggressive maneuver, it caught me by surprise, and it’s not normal at all. I don’t know why they didn’t give us a heads up. Because the airport base does have radar, and nobody said ‘hey, there’s also a B‑52 in the pattern.’

“Long story short, it wasn’t fun, and I do apologize for it, and thank you for your understanding. Not a fun day at work.”

The aircraft circled and landed safely shortly after. Passengers reportedly applauded the pilot’s transparency.