UFO sighted by Pan Am crew in 1959

Summary

In September 1959, a Pan Am crew reported a luminous object with a vertical tail moving at high altitude. The aircraft, Clipper 114, was over Labrador when the crew observed a reddish glow perpendicular to their flight path. The sighting lasted about 30 seconds and the object disappeared to the north. Although the witnesses did not want to reveal their identities for fear of being mistaken for publicity seekers, an official report confirmed they were aboard flight 114 commanded by Captain Howard Cone.

Military investigators concluded there was not enough information for a definitive evaluation. Balloons, aircraft, or astronomical explanations were not ruled out, but the object could not be clearly identified. The description of a vertical tail and perpendicular movement raised doubts about whether it was a comet or a rocket stage. The case remains unresolved, but the testimony of a professional crew adds credibility to the report.