UFO seen by pilot in France in 1954

Summary

In October 1954, an experienced French pilot reported an unidentified flying object while flying at 2000 meters altitude. The aircraft, a Nord 1203, was traveling at around 220 km/h when the pilot, with over 10,000 flight hours, observed an object approximately 10 km away. He described a tilted disk of 3 to 4 meters in diameter, with a phosphorescent glow at the rear. The object was ascending along a curved trajectory and disappeared at the horizon after 70 seconds. The pilot provided a brief report and no other witnesses were recorded. The sun, almost aligned with the flight direction, created intense lighting conditions, which could explain the phenomenon as a reflection or optical illusion. The GEIPAN classified the case as "C" due to the lack of additional information and corroboration.

The pilot's description is detailed but not without ambiguities. It is unclear whether the object was truly a tilted disk or if the perception was due to the sun's position or distance. An object of 3-4 meters at 10 km distance is barely visible to the human eye, suggesting the pilot may have misinterpreted what he saw. Additionally, the sun was almost aligned with the flight direction, opening the possibility that the phenomenon was a reflection on a nearby object, such as a balloon, or even on the aircraft's own windshield. Despite the pilot's experience, the case lacks conclusive evidence and is considered insufficient for further evaluation.