NTSB preliminary report says B-52 was flying as authorized in near miss at Minot Published Aug. 28, 2025 By Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The National Transportation Safety Board preliminary report following a loss-of-separation incident during a July 18, 2025, flyover at the North Dakota State Fairgrounds confirms the Minot AFB B-52 was following its authorized flight path as directed by air traffic control and acted in full compliance with pre-established procedures, flight plans and air traffic control instructions. The NTSB report confirms the B-52’s flyover was coordinated in advance with both Minot Air Traffic Control Tower and Dakota Radar Approach Control. The B-52 aircrew was cleared to proceed as instructed, maintaining their flight path until two miles west of the airport. The controller did not advise the B-52 aircrew of the inbound commercial aircraft. According to the report, the Minot Air Traffic Control Tower directed the commercial airline jet to make a right 360 degree turn away from the B-52’s flight path. The commercial pilot declined, then the controller offered a left 360 degree turn before breaking off its approach to Minot International Airport. The NTSB preliminary report also notes a second loss of separation between the B-52 and a civilian Piper PA-28-151 aircraft, flying under Visual Flight Rules. The B-52 aircrew maintained positive visual separation with the Piper aircraft and acted in accordance with their approved flight plan. However, the controller did not notify the B-52 of the Piper’s presence. The NTSB made no determination of fault in its preliminary report. Safety remains our top priority. We continue to fully cooperate with the ongoing NTSB investigation. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and safety in all our operations.