Two pilots flying over Ohio on August 16 encountered an unidentified aerial phenomenon described as a silver, pill-shaped object that appeared stationary as their aircraft approached. The pilots contacted air traffic control but were informed that no objects were registering on radar.
The encounter, detailed on the National UFO Reporting Center (NUFORC) website, involved an object estimated to be about 30 feet long. One pilot, identified only as 'J,' captured a photograph of the object and later provided a description to an NUFORC investigator.
"The surface was silver and highly reflective, like pure polished metal," the investigator's report stated. "J described the UAP as uniform, pill-shaped. There were no warps or creases on the surface, nor was it tapered at the bottom."
The pilots were flying at approximately 41,000 feet when they spotted the object slightly above their plane, estimated to be two to three miles away. They reported that their aircraft experienced engine icing and moderate turbulence after entering thunderstorm clouds, leading them to question whether a balloon could have survived similar conditions.
Despite the pilots' observations and the object's estimated size and uniform shape, air traffic controllers from Cleveland Center stated that nothing appeared on radar. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also confirmed it did not detect an object on radar and found no records of planned balloon launches.
The encounter lasted about two minutes as the pilots' aircraft, traveling at roughly 380 mph, passed the object. The pilot noted that the object's movement, observed as it passed, reminded him of oncoming aircraft, suggesting it was actively moving rather than passively floating.
NUFORC highlighted the incident as an example of how authorities handle reports of unidentified objects near civilian aircraft. The organization suggested that potential aviation hazards warrant closer scrutiny and noted an exchange where an air traffic controller made a flippant remark about reporting alien colors, which they argued contributes to the stigma around UFO sightings.
NUFORC emphasized that even objects like balloons can pose safety concerns in controlled airspace, potentially leading to serious damage in a collision. Unidentified surveillance balloons could also represent a national security risk.