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

Read from the scan by GLM-OCR; expect the odd misread word.

Plane had just passed Kochar Island at 0535 G07. At 0558 G07 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 tinge. 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 manual control the object suddenly weared 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 extraordinar speed was noted. It far outraced 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.

Both observers thought it could have been a meteor except for the manner in which it held attitude. 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 6,000 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.

PMA planes was eastbound from Nidway on magnetic course 98, which is approximately 110o 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 45 minutes previously.