Charlotte Police Helicopter UFO Encounter — Radar-Visual Confirmation
On December 27, 1977, at 10:54 p.m., police officers Ron Garey and his partner were flying a routine helicopter patrol over Charlotte at 1,800 feet when two lights approached from the northwest, passing just 200 feet over them. FAA confirmed two unknowns on radar. Moments later, one object shot upward at 45 degrees, traveling 4,000 feet in three seconds (~450 mph). The other continued to approach. Garey executed a pedal turn for closer inspection; the object made a radial turn around the helicopter, outmaneuvering it repeatedly. The object appeared as a globular white light with sparks, and a silver parachute-like object attached with a transparent section. FAA tower controller Ray Bader confirmed the second unknown was over downtown. MUFON investigators (Fawcett, Laporte, Morton, Oldham) ruled out candle-lit balloon explanation after extensive testing.
Background
1. On December 27, 1977, a Charlotte police helicopter crew encountered two unidentified lights while on routine patrol. The objects approached the helicopter closely, and their presence was confirmed by FAA radar. One of the objects exhibited extraordinary speed, ascending rapidly.
The Incident
At 10:54 p.m., police officers Ron Garey and his partner were flying a routine helicopter patrol over Charlotte at 1,800 feet. They observed two lights approaching from the northwest, initially assuming them to be landing lights from another aircraft or helicopter. The lights rapidly closed in on their position, passing approximately 200 feet above the police helicopter just two minutes later.
Garey contacted the FAA control tower to inquire about any radar targets in the area. FAA operators confirmed the presence of two unknown objects on radar. Shortly after, the officers observed two more lighted objects approaching. One of the objects ascended at a 45-degree angle to an estimated 4,000 feet within three seconds, reaching a speed of roughly 450 mph. The other light continued to approach at the helicopter's 1,800-foot altitude. Garey performed a "pedal turn" to the left as the object passed.
Investigation
The source text does not provide information about a formal investigation beyond the FAA radar confirmation. The police officers initially believed they might have encountered military helicopters heading towards Fort Bragg.
Significance
This incident is significant because it represents a radar-visual confirmation of a UFO encounter involving law enforcement. The simultaneous visual sighting by trained observers and corroboration by radar lends credibility to the event. The object's rapid ascent and unusual maneuverability, as described in the source text, further contribute to the case's intrigue.