UFO sighted near McAllen in 1961

Summary

In October 1961, a U.S. Air Force pilot reported an unidentified flying object near McAllen, Texas. The sighting occurred at night, and the object was described as an elongated body with a shape resembling a half-dollar coin. The front portion emitted a brilliant white light with an aureole on the leading edge, while the rear part glowed red. The observer noted a straight and flat trajectory, with a luminous trail behind the object that appeared to be caused by fragmentation. The pilot estimated the object was moving rapidly toward the northwest, maintaining a steady course for about 20 seconds.

The Air Force considered several explanations, including the possibility of a meteor or a rocket body entering the atmosphere. However, weather data and observations didn't fully align with these hypotheses. The report was classified as "insufficient for a definitive evaluation," suggesting no clear conclusion was reached. Despite this, the pilot and intelligence officer were deemed reliable sources, adding credibility to the sighting. The case remains an unresolved mystery in Air Force records.