Unidentified object over Columbus Ohio 1949

Summary

In August 1949, an air traffic controller in Columbus, Ohio, reported an unidentified object leaving a smoke trail. The observer, an experienced air traffic controller, described an object flying at high altitude, between 30,000 and 50,000 feet, on a westerly trajectory. The trail was grayish and persistent, making him question if it was a typical contrail. The object remained visible for at least 15 seconds, and its speed appeared extremely high.

The official report mentions that the controller contacted a pilot of a T-6 training aircraft to help identify the object. The pilot reported seeing a bright light that seemed like a star but couldn’t confirm if there were vapor trails. Later, the object moved toward the horizon in a northwesterly direction and disappeared. The light changed color, first yellow and then red, before vanishing completely. This case is one of many from the era showing how accredited observers tried to understand unexplained aerial phenomena.