Case Directory
  Category 1, Distant Encounters 
 
  Preliminary Rating: 5  

                                   
     

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'. 

Silvery Object Flat On Bottom Observed By Radar Crew (No Radar Contact)
May 23, 1952
Kirtland AFB, Albuquerque, New Mexico

Brad Sparks:
May 23, 1952; Kirtland AFB, Albuquerque, New Mexico (BBU)
4:00-4:45 p.m. (MST). USAF CO of 135th AC&W Sq ADC radar site, Lt. Col. Orlando W. Stephenson Jr., and other staff of radar site, Senior Director Lt. William J. Hopkins, Capt. Clarence R. Holloway, Lt. Edwin G. Kenyon, Philco radar tech rep John B. Cooper, and at least one other witness (door guard), saw a silvery or aluminum color flat on the bottom, slightly rounded on top, the highest part off center to the left, in the W at 268° azimuth 2° elevation at an estimated height of about 1,000-3,000 ft at 10-20 miles distance, seen through transit telescope, 7x 50mm binoculars and possibly theodolite [?]. Object reflected sunlight at varying irregular intervals of brightness for 3 secs to 2-3 mins and then dark or invisible for similar periods, headed to the right descending below the horizon at 271° azimuth about 0° elevation. Radar and 93rd FI Sq F-86D fighter interception unsuccessful. (Jan Aldrich)

Fran Ridge:
Here we have what the Air Force concluded was airborne debris in the wind that was observed for at least 15 minutes. (see doc below) Not only was the debris not picked up on radar (may have been too low?) but an F-86 fighter was unable to intercept it. Not a compelling case but interesting.

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