UFO sighted in 1961 by a civilian pilot

Summary

In March 1961, a co-pilot of Eastern Airlines reported an object in the night sky over Elkins, West Virginia. The aircraft was heading west when the observer saw a dark object with an orange tail, similar in size to an F-86 or F-94 fighter jet. The object appeared 45 degrees off the right wing and disappeared quickly. Although a speed of 5000 mph was estimated, no photos were taken. The crew did not identify any threat, but the report concluded it was likely a bright meteor.

The official evaluation considered the object to have all the characteristics of a meteor, especially due to the lack of evidence identifying it as a balloon, aircraft, or any other phenomenon. The observer's limited experience with such events may have contributed to the confusion. Despite the extremely high speed, no anomalies or threats were recorded, and the case was closed without further investigation.