Hudson Strait: B-36 Radar and Visual UFO Encounter

Incident Overview On September 17, 1951, at approximately 10:20 p.m., a USAF B-36 bomber flying northwest at 239 mph over Hudson Strait in northern Canada encountered an unidentified object. The aircraft was crewed by Major Paul E. Gerhart (radar operator) and Major Charles J. Cheever (navigator).

Radar Detection At 10:20 p.m., the crew detected radar interference from an unidentified aircraft positioned approximately 32 miles to the east, moving away from their position. The anti-jamming device was activated at 11:20 p.m. but failed to eliminate the interference on the radar scope.

Visual Sighting At 11:35 p.m., while flying at 18,000 feet over southwest Baffin Island, the crew observed the object visually on the right side of the aircraft. The object displayed all-white unconventional running lights and two white flashing tail lights. It traveled approximately 35 mph faster than the B-36, crossed from right to left heading north-northwest, and remained visible for about 20 minutes.

Equipment Malfunctions At 11:50 p.m., while the object remained visible, the B-36's autopilot and APQ-24 radar set malfunctioned. The radar system resumed operation minutes after the object disappeared. Electronic countermeasures operators S/Sgt. Donald E. Jenkins and S/Sgt. Doty T. Larimore detected carrier wave signals and radar-like pulses during subsequent flights over Labrador on September 19.