UFO Identified as United Airlines Aircraft

Summary

A 1955 report describes a sighting in Van Nuys, California, where a witness observed a red flashing light appearing suddenly after a multi-engine aircraft passed overhead. The light moved in a straight line toward the northwest for 8-10 minutes. Although initially mysterious, investigators concluded it was a United Airlines aircraft with a rotating red beacon on its tail. The sighting occurred multiple times that week, always following a commercial flight. The detailed description and location matched known flights, solving the mystery.

The official report includes precise date, time, and location data, and was processed by several military units. Despite no photos, the description and correlation with commercial flights allowed for a clear identification. This case is an example of how what appears to be a UFO can have a conventional explanation once investigated.