Key Facts
• July 21, 2025: Incident occurred in North Dakota, United States.
• SkyWest Airlines plane was descending for landing when it spotted a B-52 bomber.
• The B-52 bomber did not alter its route, prompting evasive action.
• SkyWest pilot performed a sharp turn to avoid collision.
• The passenger plane landed safely at the airport afterward.
• Pilot apologized to passengers for “rough maneuvering.”
• Pilot criticized lack of warning from Air Force radar systems.
• FAA is currently investigating the near-miss incident.
Summary
A SkyWest Airlines passenger plane narrowly avoided a collision with a U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber on July 21, 2025, in North Dakota. The incident occurred during the plane’s descent for landing when the pilot noticed the bomber approaching from the right. As the B-52 did not change its course, the pilot executed a sharp turn to evade a crash. The plane landed safely, and the pilot apologized to passengers for the abrupt maneuver. The pilot also expressed concerns about the lack of communication from Air Force radar systems regarding the bomber’s proximity. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the near-miss.
