Category 11 Case Directory
  SIGHTINGS FROM AIRCRAFT 
 
  Preliminary Rating: 5  

                                   
     

AVCAT is a special project being conducted by NICAP, with the help and cooperation of the original compiler of AIRCAT, Dr. Richard Haines, and other sources, to create a comprehensive listing of sightings from aircraft with detailed documentation from these sources, including Projects SIGN, GRUDGE & BLUE BOOK.

Object On Collision Course With KB-50 Tanker, Circles
Nov. 3, 1958
Pope AFB, North Carolina
9:03 p.m. EST
Duration 20 mins
aircraft KB-50
United States
 Military
1+ observer
No EMI
No radar contact

Brad Sparks:
Nov. 4, 1958; Pope AFB, North Carolina (BBU)
4:03 [9:03?] p.m. (EST). USAF pilot of a landing KB-50 tanker and USAF tower personnel saw an object with strange lights on collision course. Pilot and crew also noticed that "strange lights" were observed inside the cockpit. Pilot aborted landing, climbed and flew around to observe object. Pope AFB tower personnel had watched object hovering above the base through binoculars for 20 mins. (NARCAP)

Dan Wilson:
Nov. 3, 1958; Pope AFB, North Carolina (BBU)
9:03 p.m. EST. A KB-50 tanker aircraft in the traffic pattern of Pope AFB, noticed an object on a collision course with the aircraft. The object was round in shape, the size of a grapefruit, presumably held at arm's length, and bluish white in color. It passed overhead of the KB-50 and circled to return, then climbed in altitude until it disappeared. This object was observed by personnel of the control tower through binoculars for 20 minutes, and they were convinced that the phenomenon is not peculiar to the atmosphere. The pilot of the KB-50 reported to the control tower that strange lights were observed in his cockpit while he was on the final approach of a GCA run. A stereo camera which was available in the control tower for just such incidents was not utilized due to the excitement.

Fran Ridge:
Object on collision course passes overhead and "circles to return" and then "climbs until disappearnce in the SE". Quoting from the report (which writes the incident off as a balloon) "UFO presents a hazard to aircraft operation in the area." Definitely a NARCAP candidate. Comment by tower people, "convinced that the phenomenon is not peculiar to the atmosphere", indicates they are/were aware of other such incidents.

Detailed reports and documents
reports/581103pope_report.htm (Dan Wilson)

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