1947 Pilot Reports of Unidentified Flying Objects: A Glimpse

1947 Pilot Reports of Unidentified Flying Objects: A Glimpse into Early UFO Sightings

In August 1947, pilots from Pan American Airways reported sightings of unidentified flying objects during flights from Newfoundland to New York, detailing their observations of strange aerial phenomena.

Published

June 16, 2026

Declassified

May 8, 2026

Source agency

U.S. Department of War

1947pilotreportsunidentifiedflyingobjectsglimpseinto

Opening summary

In August 1947, a significant event unfolded in the skies between Newfoundland and New York, capturing the attention of both the public and military authorities. This event involved the sighting of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) by two seasoned airline pilots, Captain A. O.

Powell and Navigator Walter I. White, during a routine Pan American Airways flight. S.

airspace. Captain Powell, who was piloting the aircraft, reported seeing an orange, cylindrical object that resembled the fuselage of a P-40 aircraft. This object was observed at an altitude of 17,800 feet, traveling at an estimated speed of 160 mph.

Powell's detailed description emphasized the object's bright orange hue and its distinct shape, which lacked any signs of gaseous dispersion that might suggest a conventional aircraft or meteorological device. Navigator White, seated in the co-pilot's position, also reported a sighting. He described a gold-colored, elliptical object with a reflective surface, measuring approximately 113…

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