RADCAT Case Directory
  Category 9, RADAR  
 
  Preliminary Rating: 5  

                                   
     

RADCAT is a revitalized special project now being conducted jointly by NICAP & Project 1947 with the help and cooperation of the original compiler of RADCAT, Martin Shough, to create a comprehensive listing of radar cases with detailed documentation from all previous catalogues, including UFOCAT and original RADCAT.

B-29 Radarman Tracks UFO
August 24, 1950
250 mi. SW of Bermuda

Brad Sparks:
Aug. 24, 1950; About 250 miles SW of Bermuda (BBU 787)
8:04-8:24, 8:27 p.m. (AST). USAF 373rd Recon Sq (Very Long Range) B-29 from Kindley AFB, Bermuda, piloted by 1st Lt. Frank J. Stockton was flying at 192 knots (221 mph) at 10,000 ft heading 27° (about NNE) when radarman S/Sgt. William W. Shaffer turned on his APQ-13-A radar and tracked a distinct bright unidentified target appearing to travel at same speed and heading as B-29 but about 1,000 ft lower and at 10° left of dead ahead 12 o’clock position about 1-1/2 miles away. Shaffer alerted pilot Stockton who alerted crew to look for visual, without success, possibly due to 50% cumulus cloud coverage; two officers verified Shaffer’s radar scope readings. Radar target maintained position for several mins then started to fall behind gradually until overtaken by B-29 passing about 1/4 mile to the left, then holding a trailing position behind the B-29 for about 5 mins, then increased speed passing B-29 on the right at about 1/4 mile, drawing slightly ahead of B-29 then gradually turning away to the right and accelerating rapidly. Pilot turned away 20° left to see if target would follow, but it didn’t, instead continuing its gradual right turn until it disappeared off scope at about 400 knots (460 mph) at 8:24 p.m. at 30°15’ N, 67°12’ W [about 30 miles to the SSW when B-29 was at about 30°37’ N, 66°54’ W]. At about 8:27 p.m. B-29 crew member saw a bluish streak flash past the left wing from head on position about 1,000 ft below, appearing like a meteor but less bright than lightning. (Jan Aldrich)

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