Overview
On July 18, 2025, at approximately 1948 central daylight time, two loss of separation events occurred near Minot International Airport (MOT) in North Dakota. The events involved WarBird03 (WBD03), a US Air Force B-52H; SkyWest Airlines flight 3788 (SKW3788), an ERJ-170-200 registered as N604CZ; and N41349, a Piper PA-28-151. WBD03 was en route to perform a flyby at the North Dakota Fairgrounds. SKW3788 was arriving from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport and was on approach to runway 31 at MOT. N41349 was conducting local pattern operations at MOT.
Sequence of Events
Weather conditions were visual flight rules with wind from 030 at 5 knots, visibility 10 miles, and clear skies. The Minot Airport Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) was staffed by one controller. The Dakota Radar Approach Control (RAPCON) Minot radar sector provided air traffic services prior to handing off WBD03 and SKW3788 to MOT ATCT.
At 1943:45, WBD03 checked in with MOT ATCT 15 miles east. The MOT local controller instructed WBD03 to proceed as requested and not start its northbound turn until at least two miles west of the airport. At 1947, SKW3788 checked in on the RNAV runway 31 approach and was instructed to report FONAD, the final approach fix. N41349 was instructed to make a left turn and enter a left downwind for runway 31.
At 1948, the MOT local controller visually observed WBD03. SKW3788 reported one mile from FONAD. The controller coordinated with Dakota RAPCON to request a 360-degree turn for SKW3788 due to WBD03’s flyby. At 1949, the controller instructed SKW3788 to make a right 360-degree turn at FONAD and advised of a heavy B-52 southeast of the field. SKW3788 acknowledged but requested to break off the approach. The controller instructed SKW3788 to fly heading 250 and maintain 3,700 feet. N41349 was instructed to make a right 360 in the downwind.
At 1950, further coordination led to instructions for SKW3788 to fly heading 220 and maintain 4,200 feet. The controller inadvertently issued a similar instruction to WBD03 but immediately corrected. After additional coordination, SKW3788 was cleared to maintain present heading and 4,200 feet. At 1951, WBD03 reported turning back to Minot Air Force Base and was instructed to contact MIB tower. SKW3788 was instructed to maintain 4,200 feet on present heading and contact the MIB sector controller. N41349 was issued an option clearance for runway 31. After the event, SKW3788 was vectored to runway 31 and landed uneventfully.
Measured closest proximity between WBD03 and SKW3788 was 1.25 miles, and between WBD03 and N41349 was 0.33 miles, as depicted in overhead views of flight tracks.
Aircraft and Operations
WBD03 operated under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 as a military flight. SKW3788 operated under Part 121 as a scheduled passenger flight. N41349 operated under Part 91 as a general aviation flight.
Aftermath
The National Transportation Safety Board formed an ATC investigative group. Parties to the investigation include the Federal Aviation Administration, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, and the US Air Force. Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast data, plot playback data, audio recordings, and other documentation are being analyzed. During the week of July 28, 2025, the investigative group conducted an on-site investigation at Dakota RAPCON and MOT ATCT.