McAlester, Oklahoma: DC-8 Cargo Jet Crew Encounters Oval Craft with Three Figures Inside
At 2:30 a.m., February 14, 1973, east of McAlester, Oklahoma, pilots of a DC-8 cargo jet spotted a light confirmed by onboard radar. It rushed the plane, then paced from 300 yards. An oval shape was evident — 75 feet by 40 feet, with small fins, a transparent dome, and three figures inside. Air Force officers later argued the pilots had been 'mistaken.'
Background
At 2:30 a.m., east of McAlester, Oklahoma, the pilots of a DC-8 cargo jet spotted a light a mile away, below them on the same path, confirmed by onboard radar. It suddenly rose up, rushed the plane, then resumed pacing from 300 yards. An oval shape was now evident, 75 feet by 40 feet, with small fins, a transparent dome, and three figures inside.
The captain vainly radioed to keep a safe distance. The craft slid in front of the jet, arcing gracefully up and down before flying away. Air Force officers twice interviewed the pilots, first cordially, then later arguing that they had been mistaken.
Significance
Radar-confirmed encounter with a structured craft showing occupants, witnessed by professional airline crew.