NUFORC Sighting 179717

Occurred: 2023-12-14 19:45 Local
Reported: 2023-12-14 21:27 Pacific
Duration: 5-6 seconds
No of observers: 1 - Pilot

Location: Pawleys Island, SC, USA
Location details: 33.30N/79.07W 24NM SSW of KMYR ~3-5NM offshore

Shape: Triangle
Color: Orange
Estimated Size: Unknown
Viewed From: Aircraft
Direction from Viewer: 280M
Angle of Elevation: 25
Closest Distance: 15NM
Estimated Speed: None
Characteristics: Lights on object, Aircraft nearby

4-5 orange solid lights arranged in a triangle shape

4-5 solid orange lights in a triangle shaped pattern observed during a training flight by PIC. The lights appeared to be situated on one airborne craft. The lights observed were not consistent with standard aircraft lighting, space dwelling objects (such as stars and systems), or normal weather phenomena. Observation aircraft altitude 2,500ft; observed unidentified object/aircraft altitude unknown, estimated to be between 4,000-5,000ft. Unidentified object/aircraft was approximately 3-4 NM offshore, and was only observed briefly before vanishing. No movement of the object was observed. No ADSB data received from the object. Sky was clear with no clouds or visible moisture present. Object was observed by airplane CFI during a training flight. The student on board was wearing a vision limiting device preventing them from seeing outside as a training measure. As a result, the student did not witness the unidentified object.

Posted 2023-12-20