B-52 right in front: “Aggressive maneuver” to avoid mid-air collision with bomber

WASHINGTON: A mid-air disaster was averted in North Dakota, US, thanks to the timely intervention of a Delta Airlines pilot. On Friday evening local time, a U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber flew close to the Delta Air Lines regional jet SkyWest Flight 3788 en route from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Minot, North Dakota.

The incident occurred as the 88-seat Embraer 175 aircraft was preparing to land. The Delta pilot made a very 'aggressive maneuver' to avoid a collision. The pilot reportedly apologised for the inconvenience to passengers. The plane landed safely in Minot. The pilot told passengers that he had not been warned about the bomber's presence and that the incident was unusual. The Federal Aviation Administration has launched an investigation into the incident. The U.S. Air Force has not commented.

B-52: Stratofortress

• Made by Boeing
• Subsonic heavy bomber
• Capable of carrying nuclear weapons
• Entered service in 1955
• Can carry up to 32,000 kilograms of weapons
• Can fly continuously for up to 14,200 kilometers
• Can carry 5 people including the pilot
• Length - 159 feet
• Wingspan - 185 feet