Kaikoura lights sightings

Record summary

A series of sightings during December 1978 involved crew aboard a Safe Air freight aircraft, ground observers, radar operators and television personnel. Bright lights were reported near the aircraft, and film footage was recorded during a TVNZ-associated flight. The episode became prominent because proponents described radar correlation and apparent object behavior, while skeptics emphasized planets, fishing boats, reflections, Venus, aircraft lights and radar misinterpretation. It is a useful comparative lead because the evidence spans pilot testimony, civil aviation records, radar claims and media footage rather than relying on a single witness.