The B-52 Stratofortress, a long-range, subsonic, jet-powered strategic bomber operated by the United States Air Force since the 1950s, has a wingspan of 185 feet and can fly at altitudes similar to commercial aircraft. The size and speed of such military aircraft make collision avoidance particularly critical.

The pilot of a SkyWest flight told passengers that he performed an "aggressive maneuver" to avoid an apparent B-52 military aircraft in-flight, then apologized for the sudden move.

A SkyWest pilot said nobody warned them about the B-52 being in the area as they approached Minot International Airport in North Dakota.