9BDOI 12 0216 — 1956-12-04 — Airborne at 38,000 ft over 39 deg 30N 115 deg 00W (eastern N

At 0902 Pacific time during dawn flight in T-33 at 38,000 ft, Major R.C. Strong was alerted by a bright flash that lit up entire area. Initially thought lightning from below, looked up and saw a brilliant white ball followed immediately by trail of falling sparks (5-6 red trailing objects). The initial flash was brilliant; object faded as falling celestial body but at least 20-25 times wider flight path. No comparison in intensity or size with any star or celestial body the pilot had ever heard of. Passenger concurred in description. Total event 3-5 seconds from initial flash.

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