NUFORC Sighting 179791

Occurred: 2024-01-02 16:42 Local
Reported: 2024-01-05 10:12 Pacific
Duration: 60 seconds
No of observers: 1 - Military

Location: Richlandtown, PA, USA
Location details: Half mile south of Richlandtown, PA on state route 212, near intersection of 212 and Meadow Road

Shape: Cigar
Color: reddish brown
Estimated Size: 20 feet long
Viewed From: Land
Direction from Viewer: South
Angle of Elevation: 40
Closest Distance: 2 miles
Estimated Speed: Around 70 miles per hour

Observed a dull, reddish brown colored cigar-shaped object approach from Southwest of Richlandtown, PA and move Northeast

I was driving home from work and the sun was setting at that time, and still sitting slightly above the horizon. From Main Street, I turned South on state route 212 and traveled for about half a mile when I noticed a dull, red colored object fly in from the Southwest. The object briefly reflected the setting sun with a high degree of brilliance for about a quarter of a second. It appeared to have a dull, non-reflective appearance after that point, until it disappeared over a wooded area. It appeared to be cigar-shaped and each end was slightly rounded. It was about the size of a small plane like a private Cessna or Learjet but I could not see any wings, a tail fin, landing gear or any running lights. I would estimate it at flying between between 700 and 1000 feet above ground and it may have been about two miles distant from my vehicle. I remember thinking that it flew very smoothly with no apparent banking or sudden changes in velocity.

I was stationed at a naval air station when I was active duty in the Navy in the 1980s. I have seen many military and some experimental aircraft and this did not resemble anything I have seen previously. I do not think it was a helicopter, airship, drone or any kind of balloon. The first thing that made me notice it was the unusual red color. It reminded me of some reddish sandstone I have seen in pictures from the American Southwest.

The weather at the time was clear with no precipitation and moderate clouds. The sun was setting at the time of the observation. I was able to track it from my vehicle for a mile or two until it left my view over a wooded area that is East of Richlandtown.

I am not requesting that you contact me about this incident, but please feel free to contact me in case you have any questions. Thanks.

Posted 2024-02-15