U.S. Air Force Analysis of Flying Objects in the United States, 1-100

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Please had just passed Hecker Island at 0535 OCT. At 0558 OCT an intense white light was observed 60° off starboard bow of plane. It appeared similar to the light of an approaching plane except that it was extremely intense. The color was that of an incandescent light without appreciable blue and no reddish tinges. It appeared on a course about 350° true some 5 miles away. The light grew in intensity (but without any change in color) to a point estimated to be one mile off starboard bow of the plane. When the PA plane switched over to normal control the object suddenly vanished to an approximate course of 109° and then the bright light appeared to split into two parts and assumed a reddish hue. These two reddish lights did not have the intensity of the white light and appeared about a wing-length apart. As it changed its course the extraordinary speed was noted. It far outtraced the Pan American plane and the twin lights appeared to burn out 30 miles ahead. The entire phenomenon was observed for some six seconds. Object was estimated to be traveling 1,000 knots per hour.

NOTE: Both observers thought it could have been a meteor except for the manner in which it held altitude. At no time did it appear to get above or below 9,500 ft. When it disappeared it still seemed at about 9,500 ft. at no time did it give off sufficient illumination to reflect on the cloud formation at 8,000 ft.

Both observers were questioned as to possibility of optical illusion and the probability that the object dropped at an oblique angle but both firmly declared the object apparently changed course and that it appeared to hold altitude throughout the entire time observed.

PA plane was eastbound from Midway on magnetic course 98, which is approximately 110° true, and flying at 9,000 feet at about 205 knots. It was flying on automatic pilot with Griffin in the right-hand seat in the control cabin and Polhemus in the left-hand seat. It was dark and there were cumulus clouds of about .4 density. The sun had set 15 minutes previously.