FAA Confirms Unexplained Object Encounter by Two Aircraft Over Arizona
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed an encounter with an unidentified object reported by two separate aircraft — a Learjet and an American Airlines flight — flying over southern Arizona. ATC radio transmissions captured both crews reporting an object passing above them at high altitude. The FAA stated it had no explanation for the sighting and had not been tracking anything in the area.
Background
On February 24, 2018, two commercial aircraft flying over southern Arizona independently reported an unidentified object passing overhead at high altitude. The FAA confirmed it could not identify the object, with no aircraft on radar in the reported position, marking a credible dual-witness encounter.
The Incident
A Learjet 36 pilot first reported the object. Minutes later, an American Airlines Airbus A321 crew confirmed the sighting. The event involved experienced commercial pilots.
Witnesses
- Learjet 36 pilot: First to report the unidentified object passing overhead at high altitude.
- American Airlines Airbus A321 crew: Confirmed the sighting minutes later.
Investigation
FAA audio recordings captured the real-time exchanges. The FAA stated it could not identify the object. No aircraft appeared on radar in the reported position.
Significance
The incident gained significant attention. It featured a credible dual-witness encounter. Key elements included experienced commercial pilots and official FAA documentation.