Treviso: Pilot Cecconi photographs black cylinder UFO
On June 18, 1979, Italian Air Force pilot Giancarlo Cecconi intercepted and photographed a dark cylindrical object over Veneto after radar detected it in a prohibited zone. He captured 82 images during multiple passes before it vanished suddenly.
Background
Incident
On June 18, 1979 at 11:30, Giancarlo Cecconi, a warrant officer of the Italian air force with the 14th Gruppo of the 2nd reconnaissance fighter wing, was returning to Treviso Air Base in his G-91R from a reconnaissance mission. He was flying over the area between Rovigo and Abano Terme in the Veneto.
Radar Contact and Tracking
The radar centre at Istrana reported an intruder in a prohibited area and vectored Cecconi toward it. At 2,100 metres, the Treviso tower warned of a blue trail behind the target. The object made vertical movements and climbed to 4,000 metres. Cecconi made 7–8 passes and activated the gun camera for 82 frames.
Observations and Evidence
Cecconi saw a matt black, tank-like object with a small white dome, about 8 metres long, which was unaffected by turbulence. Ground personnel watched through binoculars. The target disappeared abruptly from radar and from view. The developed images show a dark cylinder with a dome; one is public.
Significance
This military incident with photographs, radar, and witnesses is regarded as highly significant. Later explanations such as a balloon have been questioned.