Orange light observed by F-86 pilot

Summary

A U.S. Air Force pilot, flying an F-86D fighter jet, reported observing a bright orange object resembling a star. The incident occurred northwest of Knoxville, Tennessee, in October 1955. The pilot described the object as small, luminous, and orange in color, moving in a straight path at high speed. Although the aircraft's radar detected the object, the pilot was unable to close the distance to identify it. The pilot attempted to follow it, but the object gradually disappeared from radar and sight.

The report classifies the sighting as "possibly an aircraft," though other explanations are not ruled out. Weather conditions were favorable, with clear skies and good visibility. Several agencies were contacted, including the University of Tennessee and civilian air services, but no satisfactory explanation was found. The pilot is considered a reliable source, and the report concludes without a definitive resolution of the phenomenon.