Fireball seen by pilot in 1953

Summary

In March 1953, a B-26 pilot reported observing a fireball for 40 minutes over the Canal Zone in Panama. The object, traveling at 220 mph at 9,000 feet, was last seen disappearing downward without unusual maneuvers. The observation was classified as astronomical, possibly Venus.

The restricted report was sent from Albrook Base to Washington D.C. and other intelligence centers. Though the pilot was experienced and reliable, he didn’t alert others. Weather conditions were normal, with no physical or photographic evidence. An astronomer reviewed the case and suggested it could have been Venus or another natural phenomenon.