Lockbourne, OH: Pilot chases disc, finds crash site
USAF employee David T. Keating spotted a silvery disc while flying a P-51 near Lockbourne AFB, pursued it at high speed, then located crash evidence on a hillside south of the Ohio River. He returned with support to investigate the site.
Background
Witness and Sighting
David T. Keating, a member of the USAF group for nuclear energy in aircraft propulsion, was flying with the 166th Fighter Squadron of the Ohio National Guard out of Lockbourne AFB. During a turn at 18,000 feet, a silver disc appeared above his P-51.
Pursuit
Keating gave chase at 325 mph and closed to within 240 feet. It measured roughly 40 feet in diameter and 6 feet thick, with a vertical stabiliser at the rear. He continued the pursuit even after losing sight of it.
Crash Find
About 10 miles south of the Ohio River he spotted debris on a hill and a trail suggesting an aircraft crash. Lack of fuel forced him to return to Lockbourne. He persuaded his major to overfly the site from the air and sent a vehicle to recover the remains.
Sources and Significance
Reported in Helen Knox's article of September 18, 1950; referenced in Clark III 325 and Clark IV 361. The event is among the early accounts of military UAP pursuits and alleged recoveries.