Syracuse: United Airlines Flight 94 UFO encounter
On March 12, 1977, United Airlines Flight 94 experienced an uncommanded left turn south of Syracuse, NY, revealing a bright white light matching their altitude. The object disrupted compasses, followed the plane briefly, then accelerated away rapidly.
Background
Incident
On March 12, 1977 at 21:05, United Airlines Flight 94 was flying south of Syracuse, New York toward Boston Logan Airport. The aircraft suddenly banked gently to the left at 15 degrees, without any input from the pilots.
Observation
Captain Neil Daniels (aged 57) and the first officer spotted an extremely bright white light at their altitude, round, subtending about 3 degrees, estimated 3,000 feet away and larger than a DC-10. It shone like a flashbulb. The object accompanied them for 4–5 minutes.
Effects
All three compasses gave different readings; the first officer's was off by as much as 20 degrees, without rotating. The autopilot was disengaged and they flew manually. Boston Center queried the change of course; ATC later reported no radar targets and confirmed a magnetic disturbance that had deflected the aircraft.
Departure
After 15 seconds the object accelerated rapidly toward the 8 o'clock position, climbing slightly, and disappeared. There were no further traces on radar. (Sources: Eberhart, Sturrock, Haines, Kean).