UFO spotted by pilot in 1958

Summary

In June 1958, a pilot with Eastern Airlines reported a mysterious object south of Charleston, West Virginia. He described a white ball with a fiery tail that exploded in the sky. The sighting occurred at night, under clear conditions and favorable weather. Although the pilot observed it visually from the air, there were no photographs or radar data involved. The object's description and behavior drew attention due to its similarity to a fireball, a type of bright meteor.

The official evaluation of the case concluded it was likely a meteorite, though other possibilities were not ruled out. The report was shared with several Air Force units, indicating the importance given to the testimony of a qualified observer. Despite the lack of additional data, the report highlighted the typical description of an astronomical event, suggesting the pilot had a clear and coherent experience with a natural phenomenon.