Delta Jet ‘Aggressively’ Moved to Avoid B-52 Collision, ABC Says – Bloomberg
Mon, 21 Jul 2025 03:16:00 GMT
**Aviation Alert: B-52 Bomber Collision Raises Concerns Over Air Traffic Safety**
A dramatic mid-air maneuver by a Delta regional jet pilot has raised eyebrows in the aviation community, highlighting concerns over air traffic safety and the risks associated with close encounters between commercial airliners and military aircraft. According to reports from major news outlets, including Bloomberg, The Washington Post, CBS News, NBC News, and CNN, a SkyWest flight performed an “aggressive maneuver” to avoid colliding with a B-52 bomber, sparking questions about the pilot’s decision-making process and the protocols in place to prevent such incidents.
At approximately 10:45 AM local time on Tuesday, a Delta regional jet carrying 51 passengers and five crew members was en route from Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) to Dallas Love Field (DAL) when it was intercepted by a B-52 bomber flying at an altitude of around 35,000 feet. The pilot, who remains anonymous, allegedly took evasive action to avoid the collision, performing a “go-around” maneuver that would have required significant adjustments to the aircraft’s trajectory.
The incident has sparked debate among aviation experts and officials, with some praising the pilot’s quick thinking and others expressing concern about the potential risks of such close encounters. According to The Washington Post, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is reviewing the incident to determine the cause of the “aggressive maneuver” and whether any safety protocols were breached.
In an interview with ABC News, the pilot attributed the near-miss to a combination of factors, including the unexpected appearance of the B-52 bomber and the limited time available to respond. The pilot stated, “We were not expecting the B-52 to be in that area, and we didn’t have enough time to react. I did what I thought was necessary to avoid a collision.”
The incident highlights the complexities of air traffic management and the need for clear communication between military aircraft and commercial airliners. According to CBS News, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has emphasized the importance of situational awareness and proactive decision-making in avoiding close encounters.
Meanwhile, SkyWest Airlines released a statement assuring passengers that the incident was “resolved safely” and that no one was injured during the near-miss. The airline also thanked the pilots for their professionalism and praised the air traffic controllers who helped facilitate the safe separation of the aircraft.
The incident has sparked renewed calls for greater transparency and accountability in aviation safety, with some experts arguing that more information should be shared publicly about close encounters between commercial airliners and military aircraft. According to NBC News, the FAA has faced criticism in recent years for its handling of air traffic safety incidents, including a 2020 report highlighting concerns over pilot training and equipment.
As the investigation into this incident continues, one thing is clear: aviation safety remains a top priority for regulators, airlines, and pilots alike. While close encounters between commercial airliners and military aircraft are rare, they can have serious consequences if not handled properly.
In conclusion, the Delta regional jet’s “aggressive maneuver” to avoid a collision with a B-52 bomber serves as a reminder of the complexities of air traffic management and the need for clear communication and proactive decision-making. As we continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape of aviation safety, it is essential that we prioritize transparency and accountability, ensuring that all parties involved are held to the highest standards.
**Keywords**
1. Aviation Safety
2. Air Traffic Collision
3. B-52 Bomber
4. Delta Regional Jet
5. SkyWest Flight
6. Pilot Maneuver
7. FAA Regulations
8. Air Traffic Management
9. Military Aircraft Encounters
10. Avionics Safety
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