SW Ukraine: Tu-2 bomber encounters elliptical object
On 23 February 1944, a Russian Tupolev Tu-2 bomber piloted over southwest Ukraine at 3 miles altitude encountered a large elliptical object, causing shaking, oil pressure surge, and electrostatic effects with glowing wing discharges.
Background
Event Details
During a bombing mission against Romanian oil fields, a Soviet Tupolev Tu-2 bomber flown by Maj. Bajenov and Boris Surikov was at an altitude of about 4.8 kilometres over south-western Ukraine on February 23, 1944. A large, elliptical object approached the aircraft.
Observations and Effects
The bomber shook violently, the oil pressure rose rapidly, and Surikov felt an intense electrostatic charge. Even after the object had passed, the wings remained covered in glowing discharges, indicating a persistent electrical phenomenon.
Witnesses and Sources
The primary witnesses were Maj. Bajenov and Boris Surikov, experienced pilots on a wartime mission. The account is taken from UFO documentation (Good, Need to Know, pp. 21–22).
Significance
The case represents an early military close encounter with physical effects on equipment, which has been interpreted as pointing to advanced technology or unknown energy sources. It is among the reports of UAP interaction in war zones.