Merced, CA: Elliptical UFO pursued by jets
Police and civilians reported a large lighted object near Merced, California, prompting Castle AFB to scramble two interceptors. Pilots observed the elliptical craft maneuvering around clouds, but ground radar failed to detect it, and officers later imposed silence.
Background
Sighting and Reaction
On October 7, 1956 at 22:45, police officers and members of the public reported an unidentified luminous object near Merced, California. Reports reached Castle Air Force Base (today Castle Airport), where the control tower observed an elliptical object some 30–37 metres across.
Military Pursuit
Two fighters were dispatched to identify it. The object evaded them skilfully, passing below and above a narrow band of cloud. Pilots closed to within a few hundred metres and made out a flattened circular shape from various angles. They positioned one aircraft above and one below the cloud layer.
Radar and Behavior
The base's ground radar tracked the fighters clearly, but not the object. One pilot turned back, but saw that the UAP was now following his colleague. No hits or attacks were reported.
Aftermath and Cover-Up
Officers from another base debriefed the pilots with a striking knowledge of UFOs. They sought confirmation rather than detail and forbade any discussion. Civilian witnesses were told that it had been a hunt for birds. The event points to military secrecy during the UFO wave of the 1950s.