Pancake UFO seen by pilot in 1952

Summary

In January 1952, a U.S. Navy pilot reported an unidentified flying object shaped like a "pancake" near Mitchel Air Force Base in New York. The object, described as white and resembling an open parachute, was observed at an altitude of 6,000 feet and reached speeds of up to 500 knots. The pilot, James R. Zeitvogel, managed to approach the object during tight turns, suggesting unusual aerial maneuverability. Despite identification efforts, no conventional explanation such as balloons or aircraft was found. The report includes detailed weather data and a precise description of the object's behavior, which disappeared quickly after ascending to a higher altitude.

The official report mentions a weather balloon was launched around the same time, causing some confusion, but it did not fully explain the phenomenon. The airfield and ground personnel did not confirm the object's presence, adding mystery to the case. This document, classified for decades, offers a historical look at how UFO sightings were addressed during the early Cold War era.