Tenerife Super Caravelle: Spanish Airliner Near-Collision, Mirage Jets Scrambled
A Spanish Super Caravelle airliner flying from Austria to Tenerife was approached by two bright red lights at 'staggering' speed at 11 p.m. Captain Francisco Lerdo de Tejada believed it was a single object the size of a jumbo jet that maneuvered in ways 'quite impossible for any conventional machine to execute.' An elderly passenger collapsed. Lerdo made emergency landing at Valencia. The Spanish Air Force Defense Command Center in Madrid obtained radar echoes and scrambled two Mirage jets which established visual contact. Spain's Transport Minister stated 'it is clear that UFOs exist' but no official report was released. Reported by UPI.
Background
A Spanish Super Caravelle airliner experienced a near mid-air collision with a UFO while flying from Austria to Tenerife. The object, described as having bright red lights, approached the airliner at high speed and exhibited unusual maneuvers. This prompted an emergency landing and a response from the Spanish Air Force.
The Incident
On November 10, 1979, at 11 p.m., a Spanish Super Caravelle airliner en route from Austria to Tenerife was approached by two bright red lights moving at "staggering" speed. Captain Francisco Lerdo de Tejada believed the lights were a single object, approximately the size of a jumbo jet. The object positioned itself half a mile from the plane and maneuvered in ways the Captain deemed impossible for conventional aircraft.
Captain Lerdo ordered passengers to fasten their seatbelts, and one elderly passenger reportedly collapsed upon seeing the object. He then initiated an emergency landing at Valencia. The object continued to follow the plane and was observed by the airport director, air traffic controller, and ground personnel.
Radar echoes corresponding to the UFO were detected by the Spanish Air Force Defense Command Center in Madrid. Two Mirage jets were scrambled to intercept the object. The fighter jets established visual contact, and one of the fighters experienced several sudden close approaches by the object.
Investigation
The Spanish Transport Minister ordered an investigation into the incident. Despite the order, no official report was ever released regarding the event.
Significance
The Tenerife Super Caravelle incident is significant due to the near-collision involving a commercial airliner, the scrambling of military jets, and the multiple witnesses, including ground personnel. The pilot's description of the object's impossible maneuvers and the radar confirmation add to the credibility of the event. The lack of an official report, despite the Transport Minister's order, also contributes to the mystery surrounding the case. The event was reported by United Press International and included an interview with the pilot.