Unidentified object observed by aircrew

Summary

In December 1952, a crew of an R5-36 #2007 in Puerto Rico sighted a mysterious object during the early morning hours. The report details how the aircraft commander, first pilot, and left scanner closely observed the object for ten minutes, from 04:45 to 04:59. On a clear, moonlit night with excellent visibility, the object appeared as a reddish-orange ball that approached the aircraft at high speed, staying within approximately 300 feet before rapidly ascending and disappearing. All crew members concurred on their observations, adding credibility to the sighting.

The officer in charge expressed concern over the object's proximity, noting it posed a serious aviation hazard. No missile activities or scheduled routes were recorded in the area, adding to the mystery. The report, originally classified for 12 years, was downgraded every three years. Despite efforts to find an explanation, the object remains unidentified, making this case one of the most intriguing in UFO history.