Case Directory Category 1, Distant Encounters Preliminary Rating: 5 |
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A Hynek
Classification of Distant Encounter is usually
an incident involving an object more than 500
feet from the witness. At night it is
classified as a "nocturnal light" (NL) and
during the day as a "daylight disc" (DD). The
size of the object or the viewing conditions
may render the object in greater detail but
yet not qualify the sighting as a Close
Encounter which is an object within
500'. |
Fran Ridge: Feb.
2, 1955; Miramar NAS, Calif. (BBU 3416)
11:50 a.m. USN Cdr. J. L. Ingersoll was driving his
vehicle and was observing two Navy FJ3 aircraft in a
landing pattern. The trailing FJ3 appeared to have only
one rear wheel extended. Sensing an emergency he
continued to watch and was able to see that all landing
gear were actually down, but he also noticed an object
somewhat below and aft that caught his attention. His
first thought was that it was a canopy that had been
ejected. The obect was falling, and its motion
seemed erratic, however it descended at a steady rate.
He described it as an as off-white in color but with a
highly polished surface that was definitely reflecting
sunlight. His best guess was that this object was at
10-20,000 feet at first. The object came to a complete
stop for about 5 to 10 seconds after dropping 3-5000
feet, then suddenly changed from white to a reddish
brown and instantly accelerated at tremendous speed,
estimated at 1,000-1,500 mph on a heading of 170
degrees.. Object left a short brown vapor trail. The
witness believes the object was not less than 25-35 feet
in diameter and could have been as larges as 100'. [Brad
Sparks: The total duration is found from the estimated
descent rate, thus a minimum of about 15 to 27 seconds
including the 5-10 secs hovering]. (Berliner) |