Bariloche: Boeing 727 Near-Miss with Saucer UFO
On July 31, 1995, Aerolíneas Argentinas Flight 734 encountered a bright saucer-shaped object during landing at Bariloche Airport, causing runway lights to fail and forcing a go-around. The UFO was tracked by the pilot, airport staff, and a Gendarmería aircraft.
Background
Incident
On July 31, 1995 at 18:10, the Aerolíneas Argentinas Boeing 727 operating flight 734, with three crew and 102 passengers, was on approach to San Carlos de Bariloche airport in Río Negro, Argentina. Captain Jorge Polanco suddenly noticed a white light approaching the aircraft, which stopped just 90 metres away.
Observation and Behaviour
The object turned away, flew parallel to the aircraft, and resembled an inverted flying saucer the size of the airliner. It showed two green lights at the ends and a flashing orange lamp in the middle, and was intensely illuminated. During the landing attempt the runway and airport lights went out, so that Polanco had to climb to 3,000 metres, accompanied by the UFO.
Effects and Witnesses
The airport commander, Major Jorge Orviedo, reported a failure of radio support and a power cut in parts of the town. Once the lights came back on, the object raced away at high speed. A Gendarmería Piper PA-31 flying 580 metres above the 727 also observed it. Passengers and crew experienced the incident, with later reports of missing minutes in the records.
Significance
The case is regarded as one of the most prominent UAP close encounters with a commercial airliner, supported by pilot reports, radio recordings, and official investigations. The Argentine air force offered an unconvincing explanation involving a projector, which Polanco rejected.