Tampa: Military pilot encounters luminous cylinder
Air Force Captain Jack Puckett observed an elongated craft with glowing portholes while piloting a C-47 transport near Tampa, Florida. The object departed at extreme velocity after several minutes.
Background
Incident Details
Captain Jack E. Puckett, an Air Force pilot, was operating a C-47 transport aircraft over Tampa, Florida on August 1, 1946 at approximately 6:00 p.m. when he observed an unusual aerial phenomenon.
Object Description
The craft appeared as an elongated cylinder, approximately twice the size of a B-29 Superfortress bomber. The object displayed luminous portholes along its fuselage, suggesting an internal light source or illuminated openings.
Encounter Duration and Departure
The sighting lasted approximately three minutes before the object accelerated and disappeared from view. The departure velocity was estimated at 1,500 miles per hour, far exceeding contemporary aircraft capabilities.
Significance
This military encounter represents a documented observation by a trained Air Force pilot with professional credibility. The object's characteristics—size, luminosity, and extreme speed—remained unexplained through conventional aircraft identification.