Passengers aboard SkyWest Flight 3788 experienced a harrowing approach to Minot, North Dakota, when the pilot disclosed he had to perform an “aggressive maneuver” to prevent a collision with a military aircraft.
SkyWest Flight Narrowly Avoids Collision with Military Aircraft
SkyWest Flight Narrowly Avoids Collision with Military Aircraft
A frightening incident unfolded on a SkyWest flight as the pilot executed evasive maneuvers to avert a midair disaster.
On July 21, 2025, SkyWest Airlines recounted that during Friday's flight from Minneapolis, quick thinking from the pilot allowed them to avoid a potentially dangerous situation. Following the landing at Minot International Airport, the pilot addressed the passengers directly, explaining the need for swift action. “He [air traffic control] said, Turn right. I said, There’s an airplane over there... given his speed, it was a military — I don’t know how fast they were going, but they were a lot faster than us,” he stated, emphasizing the urgency of the moment. The pilot expressed regret for the fierce maneuver, further noting, “It caught me by surprise. This is not normal at all.”
Witnessing the dramatic turn, passenger Monica Green recalled feeling the aircraft veer sharply, providing a thrilling view of fields below instead of the sky. Her reaction, shared via text, reflected her surprise at the plane circling instead of landing. Once safely on the ground, she described the overall atmosphere as surprisingly calm despite the earlier chaos. The incident has prompted calls for inquiries into air traffic safety protocols, as concerns about equipment issues and staffing in air traffic control continue to surface. SkyWest now faces scrutiny regarding the preparedness of its operations in such high-stress scenarios, as passenger safety remains paramount in the wake of this alarming event.
Witnessing the dramatic turn, passenger Monica Green recalled feeling the aircraft veer sharply, providing a thrilling view of fields below instead of the sky. Her reaction, shared via text, reflected her surprise at the plane circling instead of landing. Once safely on the ground, she described the overall atmosphere as surprisingly calm despite the earlier chaos. The incident has prompted calls for inquiries into air traffic safety protocols, as concerns about equipment issues and staffing in air traffic control continue to surface. SkyWest now faces scrutiny regarding the preparedness of its operations in such high-stress scenarios, as passenger safety remains paramount in the wake of this alarming event.
