Eastern Washington: Military jets track UFO on radar
Four military jets over eastern Washington detected an unidentified object on radar at 13,000 feet, 40 miles distant. A pilot visually confirmed it but could not lock radar, approaching within 8 miles before fuel forced retreat.
Background
Event
On November 15, 1978, four military jets were flying over eastern Washington State when radar reported an unidentified object at about 13,000 feet some 40 miles away. One jet was ordered to close on the target.
Encounter
The pilot obtained visual confirmation but could not achieve a radar lock. He closed to 8 miles but had to turn away because of falling fuel.
Witnesses and Evidence
Military pilots as primary witnesses; radar and visual evidence. The event is documented in Bob Gribble's report in the MUFON UFO Journal no. 186 (August 1983).
Significance
Notable as a military interception attempt with combined radar and visual observation; it points to the continuing difficulty of intercepting UAP in the 1970s.