Close Call: Civilian and Military Jets' Near Miss Investigation

The FAA is investigating a near miss between a SkyWest Airlines jet and a U.S. Air Force jet over North Dakota. After a surprising encounter during landing, the SkyWest pilot made evasive maneuvers. The episode highlights ongoing concerns over civilian-military airspace coordination, following previous similar incidents.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced it is probing a near collision between a SkyWest Airlines flight and a U.S. Air Force jet over North Dakota. The civilian flight, SkyWest 3788, operating as a Delta Connection from Minneapolis to Minot, successfully landed in Minot after a go-around.

The incident occurred on Friday when a B-52 Air Force aircraft conducted a flyover at the North Dakota State Fair. The sudden appearance of the military jet during landing caught the SkyWest pilot off-guard, prompting urgent evasive action, as noted in a passenger's video circulating on social media.

This event is part of an alarming pattern of close calls between civilian and military aircraft. Prior incidents, including a March encounter at Reagan Washington National Airport and a January crash that left 67 dead, have heightened scrutiny over airspace management near military operations.