NUFORC Sighting 22200

Occurred: 1997-03-13 00:00 Local
Reported: 2002-03-13 13:16 Pacific
Duration: :40 minutes
No of observers: 4

Location: Scottsdale, AZ, USA

Shape: Triangle
Characteristics: Lights on object

2002 submission of March 13th mass UFO sightings over Phoenix

At 2220 hours, Arizona time, myself and 3 oter witnesses sighted what we initially thought was an inbound formation of airplanes in the vicinity of Cave Creek, AZ. Even initially, it was an exciting event. This was a huge object. Following a precise course and maintaining an exact altitude, this craft intercepted Scottsdale Road, made good a southerly heading until approximately Indian School road, turned over Sky Harbor Airport and eventually disappeared in the vicinity of "South Mountain." As the craft approached, we began to eliminate what it wasn't. Not airplanes, helicopters, blimps etc. It's speed was estimated at 40--50 mph. It was titally silent. It featured large amber lights on the leading edge with some smaller lights underneath, some on the side (left from our vantage point) and some visible aft. As it passed 90 degrees and aprx 1 1/2 mile, we thought we could see substance to it, i.e, blocking out lights behind it but transparent at the same time. I estimated it's altitude to be 10,000 feet at the iniitial contact, roughly the same altitude as inbound air traffic bound for PHX... as it passed, the lower portion of the craft was an estimated 200 feet from the ground. Note: There was nothing to compare this machine to, so size, etc. could be quite different. I am a retired airline pilot, have flown for 40+ years, have flown everything from the J-3 Cub to the 747. I retired as a 727 Captain for one of the big 4. I have never seen anything like this - not even close. The assertion that this craft was flares is a pathetic attempt at coverinvg up the truth. I have no idea what it was, but definitely know what it was not. Flares do not maintain altitude, nor navigate a precise course. The sighting/s are well known at this point, and have been the subject of many TV documentaries, etc. Yet, no word is forthcoming. The paripherial events surrounding the sightings are nothing less than erie. Unfortunately, this and other events are falling into obscurity because we as a society! are all owing that to happen. I am happy to discss this with anyone. Be advised I am NOT seeking any publicity, etc. Since reporting this sighting, long time friends look at me with a jaundiced eye, strangers who hear the story often think I'm crazy, etc. On this the 5th anniversary of the Phoenix Lights the image is fresh in my mind. This did happen. Had the comet not been in the skies that evening, I doubt we would have seen it.

NUFORC Note:

This report is submitted by a retired airline captain, who had accumulated 13,700 hours of flight time at the time of his sighting, and who is well known to NUFORC. He is well known in the Phoenix area, and he has been one of the more visible, and vocal, witnesses with regard to the dramatic "Phoenix Lights" sighting of 13MR97. PD

Posted 2002-03-19