BOAC Labrador ‘satellite objects’ encounter

Record summary

What happened The crew and passengers of a BOAC Stratocruiser reported a large dark shape changing form and accompanied by smaller lights. A U.S. Air Force interceptor approached, after which the phenomenon faded. Captain James Howard later sketched an apparently structured central mass with satellite objects. Evidence A commercial flight crew, several passengers and military response provide multiple observations. Explanations considered A mirage involving the setting Sun, layered clouds and ice crystals, or several aircraft seen in unusual conditions are proposed. What remains uncertain Descriptions varied, the interceptor pilot did not confirm a structured object, and no radar or photographic record is public. Primary source BOAC Labrador ‘satellite objects’ encounter — Wikipedia