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48m ago

NTSB Confirms B-52 Came Dangerously Close to Two Planes Near Minot in July

A preliminary NTSB report cites confusing tower instructions at a visually operated, single-staffed Minot tower.

NTSB Focused on Controllers After B-52 Bomber and Two Planes Nearly Collided Over North Dakota
U.S. strategical bomber B-52 Stratofortress (pictured) lands in Airport Mosnov, Czech Republic, September 13, 2016. Photo/Drahoslav Ramik (CTK via AP Images)
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Overview

  • The NTSB released its preliminary findings on Aug. 27 detailing two losses of separation on July 19 as a B-52 returned from a state fair flyover.
  • The bomber came within about 1.25 miles of a SkyWest/Delta airliner at 7:48 p.m. and roughly one-third of a mile from a Piper PA-28 at 7:49 p.m.
  • Controller transcripts show confusing directions and a momentary mix-up in call signs when instructions intended for the airliner were addressed to the bomber.
  • Minot International Airport’s contract tower operated without its own radar and was staffed by one controller who coordinated with a regional radar controller in Rapid City.
  • The U.S. Air Force says the B-52 crew was not warned about the nearby airliner, all aircraft landed safely, and a final NTSB report is expected in 2026.