NUFORC Sighting 54768

Occurred: 2007-01-14 21:50 Local
Reported: 2007-01-15 19:32 Pacific
Duration: one second
No of observers: 0

Location: Navarre, FL, USA

Shape: Triangle
Characteristics: Lights on object

Nighttime one second observation of low level black silent triangle with lights over Gulf coast

We were staying at the Best Western Motel, 8697 Navarre Parkway (Highway 98), in a second story room overlooking the sound to the south (and the Gulf beyond.) I was standing on the balcony just outside the room door at the railing watching the sky. It was very quiet and the only noise to be heard was from small waves rippling against the beach below. There was a very light breeze at the time. There was broken, widely scattered, low level cloud cover-- very thin, wispy clouds, and stars were visible for the most part through them. (It was difficult to estimate the actual altitude of the clouds, as they reflected the glare of the city on the underneath side and it made them seem as if they wer 500 to 1,000 feet up; however, similar clouds observed during daylight appeared to be 3,000 to 5,000 feet in altitude.) There was no moon, and the sky, particularly directly overhead, was otherwise crystal clear. Horizontally, visibility out to the gulf was unlimited.

This was the second successive evening that I had stood on the balcony watching the sky for any action (I know this area experiences a high number of UFO reports.)

I suddenly noted movement to my left. I observed a triangular black craft at approximately at the 11:00 o'clock position to my left. The craft had a single white light at each corner and a slightly larger, brighter light in the center. The craft's corner lights were relatively brighter than the other stars. The craft was approximately 75 to 80 degrees above the horizon and was proceeding in a straight line due west. I observed it as it crossed my field of view until it was obscured by clouds at approximately the 2:00 o'clock position to my right. The craft traversed this space in approximately one second and was completely silent. There were no other lights, e.g., red/ green wingtip running lights, otherwise visible. The craft was flying above the clouds, but appeared to be at a relatively low level of altitude. Again, it was very difficult to estimate accurately, but if I had to guess, I would say absolutely no higher than 5,000 feet.

I immediately raised my arm to estimate the approximate size of the craft by spacing my fore finger and thumb. I did this repeatedly and concluded an approximate width of one and 1/4 to one and 1/2 inches. I continued to watch but did not again see the craft, and within 30 minutes the cloud cover continued to build to the point that further observation was pointless.

During a three day stay in Navarre, I also observed a variety of Navy military aircraft in the vicinity, including "Huey" med-evac choppers, Marine Sea Stallion choppers, and an executive jet skimming the coast line. All aircraft flew at relatively low levels, 1,000 to 3,500 feet. Navarre lies between Pensacola Naval Air Station and Eglin/ Hurlburt Air Force Base, and a wide variety of military aircraft fly in the area daily, both day and night, including the USAF F-117 Stealth Fighter. The area is also known for conducting a wide variety of research and development activities, tests, evaluations, etc. I don't think the craft I observed could have been an F-117, as its shape varied (more triangular) and there were no running lights. While the Stealth i sconfigured to fly with minumum engine noise, there was absolutely no sound from this craft, and at that altitude in such a quiet setting, I believe I would have heard a jet engine.

By way of background, I am 62, a retired Air Force officer (Lt. Col., 25 years service) and have observed a wide variety of aircraft, US and allied, military and civilian, under varying conditions.)

Posted 2007-02-01