Oval object seen from a car in Topeka

Summary

An observer in Topeka, Kansas, reported an oval-shaped object in the sky during the early morning of February 17, 1967. While driving with the windows closed, he noticed a light resembling a white phosphorus flare. The object remained stationary for a few minutes before fading from view without making any sound. The lack of noise was attributed to the car's windows being up, and no physical evidence was found.

The investigation suggested the object could have been a C-130 departing Forbes Airfield. The aircraft, which took off at 04:36, made a turn to intercept an airway. According to calculations, it should have passed about two miles west of the sighting location at an altitude of 2000 feet. Analysts concluded the observer likely saw the aircraft's lights, which reflected off the fresh snow. Often, observers assume stationary objects cannot be aircraft, but in this case, the relative motion between the car and the plane could explain the stationary appearance.