Passengers aboard a recent SkyWest flight experienced a dramatic landing as the pilot executed an emergency maneuver to avoid a potential collision with a military aircraft.
Midair Collision Avoidance: Passenger Flight's Close Call
Midair Collision Avoidance: Passenger Flight's Close Call
SkyWest Airlines Flight 3788's Safe Landing After Emergency Maneuver
On Friday, July 21, 2025, SkyWest Airlines Flight 3788, traveling from Minneapolis to Minot, North Dakota, faced a harrowing situation as it approached landing. The pilot reported to passengers that an "aggressive maneuver" was necessary to avert a midair collision with a military aircraft. Passenger Monica Green, who recorded the incident, described the flight's sharp right turn, which left her staring out the window at cornfields below instead of the sky.
After successfully landing, the pilot reassured passengers, explaining the urgent nature of the situation and apologizing for the alarming maneuver. "It caught me by surprise. This is not normal at all," he acknowledged. According to SkyWest, the plane aborted its landing due to the unexpected aircraft in the flight path, demonstrating the critical importance of communication in aviation safety.
While the incident highlights potential risks in air traffic management, it also shows the calm professionalism of pilots during emergencies. The effective handling of the situation ensured the safety of all passengers onboard, reflecting the intricate balance between commercial air travel and military operations. As concerns regarding air traffic safety grow, this close call may prompt further inquiries into procedural protocols and potential improvements in communication and coordination between civilian and military aviation sectors.
After successfully landing, the pilot reassured passengers, explaining the urgent nature of the situation and apologizing for the alarming maneuver. "It caught me by surprise. This is not normal at all," he acknowledged. According to SkyWest, the plane aborted its landing due to the unexpected aircraft in the flight path, demonstrating the critical importance of communication in aviation safety.
While the incident highlights potential risks in air traffic management, it also shows the calm professionalism of pilots during emergencies. The effective handling of the situation ensured the safety of all passengers onboard, reflecting the intricate balance between commercial air travel and military operations. As concerns regarding air traffic safety grow, this close call may prompt further inquiries into procedural protocols and potential improvements in communication and coordination between civilian and military aviation sectors.
