The Airline Pilot Classic

On July 14, 1952, Pan American pilots William Nash and William Fortenberry observed eight disc-shaped objects perform impossible maneuvers beneath their DC-4 over Chesapeake Bay—a landmark case in aviation UFO history.

The Pilots

Experienced crew:

• Captain William Nash
• First Officer William Fortenberry
• Pan American Airways
• DC-4 aircraft
• Miami to New York route

The Night

July 14, 1952:

• Clear conditions
• 8,000 feet altitude
• Over Chesapeake Bay
• 8:12 PM
• Perfect visibility

First Sighting

They observed:

• Six bright objects
• Disc-shaped
• Glowing red-orange
• In echelon formation
• Below their altitude

The Formation

Objects arranged:

• Stepped formation
• Like stairs
• Precise spacing
• Military precision
• Coordinated

The Size

Estimated:

• 100 feet diameter
• Clearly defined edges
• Solid appearance
• Luminous
• Substantial craft

The Maneuver

Incredible performance:

• Approached at high speed
• Made instantaneous turn
• 150-degree reversal
• No deceleration
• Physically impossible

The Second Group

After the turn:

• Two more appeared
• Same characteristics
• Joined formation
• Eight total
• Departed together

Speed Estimate

Calculated:

• 12,000+ mph
• Far beyond any aircraft
• 1952 technology
• Supersonic
• Unprecedented

The Report

Both pilots:

• Filed official report
• Interviewed by Air Force
• Project Blue Book case
• Credible witnesses
• Detailed account

Air Force Interest

Investigation:

• Taken seriously
• Multiple interviews
• Remained unexplained
• Classic case
• Historic

The Timing

Part of 1952 wave:

• Days before DC flap
• Building activity
• Historic period
• National phenomenon
• Peak year

Physical Impossibility

What defied physics:

• Instantaneous reversal
• No arc or curve
• Immediate change
• G-forces impossible
• Unknown technology

Significance

Premier aviation UFO case with impeccable witnesses observing physically impossible maneuvers.

Legacy

The Nash-Fortenberry sighting established the pattern of professional pilot UFO encounters, with maneuvers that exceeded any known technology.