White meteor observed in 1960 in South Africa

Summary

A South African pilot reported in 1960 an object resembling a fireball, but 10 to 15 times wider. The object emitted a brilliant white light, similar to burning magnesium, and left a smoke trail. Unlike typical meteors, it moved more slowly and was observed at around 8000 feet. It appeared 30 degrees above the horizon and disappeared at 15 degrees, with no exact trajectory determined. The South African Union stated they had no knowledge of the object impacting land or the ocean. The report concluded it was an astronomical meteor, though insufficient data prevented a definitive evaluation.