Goose Bay: F-94 pilots track radar target
USAF F-94 pilot and radar operator tracked a radar contact 39 miles northwest of Goose Bay AFB at 3:20 a.m. The pilot tried to intercept but failed to achieve visual sighting.
Background
Incident
On May 12, 1953 at 3:20 in the morning, Lt. D. C. Rogers, pilot of a USAF F-94, and his radar observer Lt. J. A. Lane detected a radar target about 39 miles northwest of Goose Bay AFB in Labrador. The object was held on radar without any corresponding flight plan.
Pursuit
Rogers began an interception attempt but never came close enough for a visual sighting. Despite manoeuvring, no visual confirmation followed, which suggests high speed or manoeuvrability.
Witnesses and Evidence
The primary witnesses were the two officers in the F-94. The radar data served as the main evidence. There was no visual observation, but a clear radar track.
Significance
This military radar contact is among the repeated unidentified incursions near air force bases. Sources: Sparks and Rutkowski document it as an unknown target.