UFO sighted by crew in 1961 near Johnson Is

Summary

In September 1961, an aircraft crew observed an unidentified object near Johnson Island in the Pacific. The object was seen for five minutes and estimated to be 50 miles away. It was described as an elongated body, larger than a basketball, with a tail and a color that exceeded jet aircraft. Its trajectory was flat and constant, and after a few seconds, it left a trail of red sparks. Although initially considered a meteor, its low altitude and proximity raised doubts.

The radar operator described it as a ball of fire moving rapidly, with a reddish tone and a trail similar to an emery wheel. Other crew members reported red sparks and a spontaneous burst of light before the object disappeared. Despite multiple observations, the object could not be definitively identified. Military authorities documented the incident, but no conclusive determination was made about its nature.