Kessel, WV: Business jet reports UFO at 55,000ft causing avionics failure
A FlexJet Embraer Phenom business jet operating as LXJ359 encountered an unidentified object near Kessel, West Virginia. While cruising at 45,000 feet, the crew observed lights and a dark silhouette approximately 10,000 feet above them. The aircraft reportedly experienced temporary avionics disruption during the passage.
Background
On April 22, 2022, at approximately 8:52 PM EST, a FlexJet business jet (callsign LXJ359) flying at 45,000 feet over Kessel, West Virginia, reported an anomalous object. The crew observed lights approximately 10,000 feet above their altitude, placing the object at roughly 55,000 feet. According to internal FAA communications later shared on Reddit, the object's lights subsequently extinguished, though its silhouette remained visible. During the passage beneath the object, the aircraft experienced disruption to its avionics systems. Other pilots reportedly discussed the sighting on the emergency Guard frequency (VHF 121.5). The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the incident through an Air Traffic Mandatory Occurrence Report obtained via FOIA by The Black Vault, along with ATC audio recordings. While some researchers suggested Starlink satellites as a possible explanation, the reported altitude and avionics interference remain inconsistent with typical satellite characteristics.