UFO seen by pilots near Lakehurst

Summary

In October 1957, two pilots from the 539th Fighter Interceptor Squadron at McGuire AFB, New Jersey, reported a bright object they described as the largest and brightest they had ever seen. The object appeared as a round point the size of a dime, with a trail twenty times its diameter. As it moved toward the southeast, it left a luminous streak that ended with a brilliant flash that quickly faded. The observation lasted only two seconds, but was clear and consistent between both observers.

Although the possibility of a balloon, aircraft, or astronomical event was considered, investigators concluded it was a meteorite. The pilots, deemed completely reliable, stated the object had all the characteristics of a meteor, despite its unusual size and brightness. This report was sent to multiple air intelligence centers to help assess other less clear sightings and possibly relate to another case in Utah.