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.

Very Bright Light On Horizon Seen By Pilot of C-46
Feb. 6, 1963
Montebello, Virginia
12:00 a.m. local
Duration 45 mins
aircraft C-46
United States
 Military
1 observer
No EMI
No radar contact

Dan Wilson: 
Feb. 6, 1963; Montebello, Va (BB)
12:00 a.m.  A pilot of a C-46 aircraft flying 15 miles SW of Montebello on a 40 degree heading when the pilot sighted a large round very bright star- like object at the one o'clock position at 3 to 5 degrees above the horizon. The object appeared to vary in size during observation and gain in elevation to 15 to 30 degrees above the horizon. The object was last sighted at 3 to 5 degrees above horizon at the 4 to 5 o'clock position. The length of the observation was approximately 45 minutes. (Dan Wilson)

Martin Shough:
A small correction. The statement that the object was *last* seen at 3-5deg elevation (implying a final descent in the SE after the slow climb from the NE, which would rule out an astronomical body) appears only in the Joint Message form from the 1001st AB WG, ANDREWS (hand dated 082200Z) which was forwarding info from the original UFOB rpt dated 071917Z from WAAVT  LEE AFS VA. This appears to be a mistake. The original report states that the light disappeared at 15-30deg elevation headed S, i.e. at the top of its climb.

Tom DeMary:
In regard to this report, first announced last September, it seemsto me that the NASA Convair, as suggested in the file, is a farmore reasonable, possible solution than any star.

Detailed reports and documents
bb/NARA-PBB1-284 (BB sighting listing, Fran Ridge)
reports/630206montebello_report.htm (Dan Wilson)
reports/630206montebello_demary.htm (Tom DeMary)

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