Hebei: 5 Pilots Encounter Glowing Object
Five Chinese Air Force pilots on patrol over Hebei province observed a large yellowish-green object that whirled, exploded, and caused instrument failures. They returned to base after losing communications and navigation.
Background
Event Details
On June 18, 1982, between 21:10 and 22:53, five Chinese air force pilots were on patrol along the northern military border in Hebei Province, China. At 22:06 a large yellowish-green object appeared in the northern sky, rotating rapidly and producing rings of light.
Observation and Effects
After about ten seconds the centre of the ring exploded like a shell. The phenomenon grew larger than the apparent diameter of the full moon, with dark patches becoming visible near the centre. The aircraft lost their communications and navigation systems, which forced a return to base.
Witnesses and Sources
The five pilots count as reliable military observers. The event is documented in NICAP reports, in books by Paul Dong and Wendelle Stevens, and in studies by Richard F. Haines and Dominique F. Weinstein.
Significance
The case shows electromagnetic interference with aircraft, typical of some UAP encounters involving military pilots. It points to potential risks to aviation in sensitive zones.