A Delta connection flight operated by SkyWest was forced to perform a sudden go-around while landing in Minot, North Dakota, to avoid a potential collision with an Air Force B-52 bomber.
SkyWest Flight 3788 from Minneapolis had been cleared to land on July 18 when the pilot spotted another aircraft in the flight path. According to the airline, the pilot took evasive action and later told passengers the B-52 appeared on a converging course without warning.
Flight data shows the regional jet made a sharp right turn and climbed before circling back to land safely. “This is not normal at all,” the pilot told passengers, apologizing for the “aggressive maneuver.” The cabin reportedly broke into applause after the announcement.
While modern planes are safer than ever thanks to advanced technology and stricter regulations, flight-related incidents are once again making headlines. Experts point to factors like pilot and air traffic controller fatigue, maintenance issues, and staffing shortages as growing concerns. On top of that, climate change is introducing more unpredictable and hazardous flying conditions, from extreme turbulence to sudden weather shifts.
Click through this gallery to see how the world’s changing weather is making flying more dangerous.