Unusual smoke ring UFO in Lagnieu 2016

Summary

In April 2016, a farmer and his father observed an unexplained aerial phenomenon (PAN) while working on their land near Lagnieu, France. The PAN appeared as a static black ring above a forest, about 500 meters away. The farmer recorded and photographed the phenomenon for two and a half minutes while driving on a dirt road. The ring gradually disappeared, as if dissolving into the air. The gendarmerie investigated and concluded it was likely a smoke ring from explosive tests at a nearby military base. Although other witnesses might have seen it, only one testimony was collected. The weather conditions allowed the ring to remain visible for several minutes.

The investigation determined the PAN was not a UFO, but a smoke cloud from explosives. The test site was far enough that the witnesses didn't hear the detonations. The farmer's testimony was consistent and detailed, supported by video and six photos. The case was classified as "A," meaning a confirmed observation of a natural phenomenon. Despite the unusual appearance of the PAN, there were no elements suggesting an unexplained event.