Ball of fire observed by pilot in 1964

Summary

In January 1964, a pilot flying a B-52 near Crossville, Tennessee, observed a ball of fire in the sky. The object, resembling a large meteor, was seen for three seconds before disappearing. The witness described how the object shed flaming particles until it completely extinguished. Although initially thought it could be a satellite or meteorite, investigators concluded it was an astronomical phenomenon, likely a large meteor.

The report accurately details the pilot’s observation, who had no prior experience with similar objects. The description of the event is clear and concise, and although no photos were taken, the witness’s testimony was enough to classify the phenomenon as a meteorite or satellite. The document is part of a historical archive from the U.S. Air Force and was evaluated as a resolved case, with no further investigations needed.