B-52 Near Collision Over North Dakota

Intermediate | August 18, 2025

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B-52 Near Collision Raises Concerns

On July 21, 2025, a Delta Connection regional jet operated by SkyWest had to make a sudden, sharp maneuver to avoid colliding with a U.S. Air Force B-52 bomber over North Dakota. The incident, now referred to as the B-52 near collision, is under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). (Reuters)

What Happened?

According to reports, the regional jet’s pilot took “aggressive evasive action” when the bomber came unexpectedly close. The B-52 crew appeared unaware of the smaller plane nearby. No injuries were reported, and both aircraft continued safely to their destinations. This quick reaction helped avoid disaster in the B-52 near collision. (ABC News)

Why It’s Serious

Near collisions—also called “near misses”—are rare but dangerous. Commercial jets follow strict flight paths, and military aircraft sometimes train in the same airspace. When communication or awareness breaks down, the risk of accidents increases. The B-52 near collision shows how critical awareness and coordination are for safety.

FAA Steps In

The FAA launched an investigation to review radar data, air traffic communication, and flight paths. Incidents like this often lead to new safety recommendations to prevent similar situations in the future.

What It Means for Travelers

For passengers, the incident is a reminder of how much skill and quick thinking airline pilots need every day. The SkyWest pilot’s fast reaction likely prevented a disaster and highlighted the importance of strong safety systems in aviation.

Vocabulary

Maneuver (noun/verb) – a movement requiring skill.
Example: “The pilot performed a sharp maneuver to avoid the bomber.”
Evasive (adjective) – done to avoid danger.
Example: “The evasive action prevented a collision.”
Bomber (noun) – a large military plane that carries weapons.
Example: “The B-52 bomber was flying on a training route.”
Crew (noun) – the group of people who operate a plane.
Example: “The bomber’s crew did not see the regional jet.”
Awareness (noun) – knowledge of a situation.
Example: “Situational awareness is vital in aviation.”
Airspace (noun) – the sky area controlled by a country.
Example: “Both planes were flying in the same airspace.”
Investigation (noun) – a formal review to find the cause of something.
Example: “The FAA opened an investigation into the B-52 near collision.”
Radar (noun) – a system that uses radio waves to detect objects.
Example: “Air traffic controllers tracked the planes on radar.”
Recommendation (noun) – a suggestion for improvement.
Example: “The FAA may issue new safety recommendations.”
Disaster (noun) – a sudden event causing great damage.
Example: “The maneuver helped avoid a potential disaster.”

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

What happened between the B-52 and the regional jet?
How did the SkyWest pilot respond to the danger?
Why are near collisions taken so seriously?
What is the FAA investigating in this case?
How did this incident show the importance of pilot training?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

Do you think commercial and military planes should share the same airspace? Why or why not?
How can air traffic controllers reduce the risk of near collisions?
What qualities make a good airline pilot in emergency situations?
Have you ever experienced turbulence or sudden maneuvers on a flight? How did it feel?
What safety improvements would you like to see in aviation?

Related Idiom

“Too close for comfort” – when something nearly goes wrong and feels very risky.
Example: “The B-52 near collision was too close for comfort.”

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This article was inspired by: Reuters and ABC News