NUFORC Sighting 19429

Occurred: 2001-09-05 12:58 Local
Reported: 2001-09-05 00:00 Pacific
Duration: 2 min.
No of observers: 2

Location: Auburn, WA, USA

Shape: Unknown

Sonic-Booms rattle Windows in Auburn

At approx. 12:58 this day, an apparent Sonic-Boom was heard which rattled the windows of our home in Auburn, Washington. This was a familiar sound as I have heard a Sonic-Boom many times before; the characteristic Boom, followed roughly 1 sec. later with another Boom. I went to my mothers bedroom to see if she dropped something on the floor. She said no but had heard the noise. While we were talking, there was another Boom, though with roughly twice the energy and only a single Boom! That one really rattled the windows!! I turned on the Scanner to see if any thing was reported to the local authorities-nothing. I got on the Web and checked several sites that have instant reports of quakes and the such-nothing. While on the Web, there was another Sonic-Boom (characteristic again) at 13:35 hours, local time. Again, the windows really rattled! What is really interesting, was at 13:45 hours, the National Emergency Radio System was activated--(Nation Wide). The Notice stated this was a planned event and was in effect until 14:00 hours local time. During the duration of this incident, the sky was completely overcast with visibility of approx. 10 miles, No other aircraft were seen or heard. If this was a coincidence, I find it to be VERY interesting! I wonder if other reports were received with regards to this incident.

NUFORC Note:

We spoke with this witness, and he seemed very sincere and credible. We contacted the FAA ARTCC in Auburn, WA, and they confirmed that one of their employees had heard the explosion, but did not know what it was. The Public Affairs Officer from McChord AFB reported that no known aircraft were flying at supersonic speeds at the time, and that the only explosions in the area were caused by ordnance on Ft. Lewis, located near McChord, but a long way from Auburn. We do not know what caused the event. PD

Posted 2001-10-12