UFO observed in France classified as B

Summary

A UFO case observed in La Chapelle-Saint-Florent, Maine-et-Loire, in 1997 was re-examined by the GEIPAN and classified as B. Two witnesses saw for a few minutes a dark object with colored lights moving in the SO-NE direction. Initially classified as D, the review concluded it was likely a small tourist plane. Observing conditions, such as darkness and twilight, made precise identification difficult. Witnesses described an elongated object without wings, but this could be a perceptual illusion. The lights, described as white or red depending on the witness, also fit a plane landing.

The plane hypothesis is supported by details like the noise and observation duration, but there are contradictions. For example, one witness didn't see lights in the final phase, which could be explained by differences in visual acuity. It's also strange that anti-collision lights weren't mentioned, possibly due to weather conditions or pilot maneuvers. Despite these uncertainties, the GEIPAN considers the plane hypothesis plausible, though with some inconsistency in the testimonies. The case is classified as B, near the threshold of inexplicable due to lack of precise data.