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.

C-47 Encounters Maneuvering Light
Jan. 28, 1953
Stuttgart, Germany
8:20 p.m. local
Duration  10 mins +
aircraft C-47
Germany
 Military
1 observer
No EMI
No radar contact

Fran Ridge:
There were two air-visual sightings from the Stuttgart area on this day-- two different aircraft and two different pilots and two different times. This is sighting number two.

Dan Wilson:
Jan. 28, 1953; Between Stuttgart and Rhein Main Air Base, Germany (BB)
8:20 p.m. A C-47 aircraft (No. 3734) piloted by 1st Lt. Marlowe B. Sorge, was returning to Rhein Main AFB, Germany, from the vicinity of Stuttgart, Germany, when Sorge noticed a light ahead and slightly to the right of his aircraft. The light was bright white with green around the edge. The light appeared to be traveling the same heading (300 degrees) as the aircraft and at approximately the same speed. It appeared to be at a distance of about 3 to 5 miles and at the same altitude as the aircraft The light drifted to the right a distance estimated to be 1/2 mile and then returned to its original position. It also dived approximately 1000 feet at about a 75 degree angle and then climbed perpendicularly to its original position. This maneuver took approximately 4 to 5 seconds. Overall the light was visible for approximately 10 minutes. At approximately 8:30 p.m. local time, another light appeared ahead and slightly to the left of the aircraft. The light appeared to vary in distance from 3 to 5 miles as evidenced by the fact the light would grow brighter and then dimmer and the relative positions would change from 11 o,clock to 10 o'clock and then back to its original position. Both the first light and the second were visible at the same time, but shortly after the second light appeared, the first one disappeared.

Detailed reports and documents
reports/530128stuttgart2_report.htm (Dan Wilson)
reports/530128stuttgart2_shough.htm (Dan Wilson)

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