Pilots Over Virginia

On July 14, 1952, during the historic Washington UFO wave, Pan American pilots William Nash and William Fortenberry observed six disc-shaped objects perform impossible maneuvers near Norfolk, Virginia.

The Pilots

William Nash and William Fortenberry:

• Pan American Airways
• DC-4 aircraft
• Experienced aviators
• Professional observers
• Credible witnesses

The Flight

July 14, 1952:

• Night flight
• Clear conditions
• Near Norfolk
• 8,000 feet altitude
• Routine trip

The Sighting

What they saw:

• Six disc-shaped objects
• Glowing red-orange
• In formation
• Below their aircraft
• Then dramatic maneuver

The Maneuver

Objects suddenly:

• Reversed direction
• 150-degree turn
• Nearly instantaneous
• Physically impossible
• Defied aerodynamics

Speed Estimate

Pilots calculated:

• Over 12,000 mph
• Based on observation
• Far exceeding any aircraft
• Impossible for 1952
• Impossible today

Two More Objects

After the turn:

• Two more appeared
• Joined formation
• Eight total
• Same characteristics
• Coordinated

The Report

Pilots reported:

• To CAA
• To Air Force
• Detailed account
• Never wavered
• Consistent testimony

Project Blue Book

Investigation:

• Interviewed pilots
• Took seriously
• Classified case
• No explanation
• Genuine unknown

The Washington Connection

Same period:

• Washington UFO wave
• Multiple sightings
• Related events
• Historic week
• Pattern established

Pilot Credibility

Nash and Fortenberry:

• Career pilots
• No motive to lie
• Professional reputation
• Consistent account
• Highly credible

Physical Characteristics

Objects described:

• About 100 feet diameter
• Disc-shaped
• Red-orange glow
• Structured craft
• Coordinated movement

Significance

One of the best pilot sightings during the 1952 wave, featuring impossible maneuvers witnessed by two experienced aviators.

Legacy

The Nash-Fortenberry sighting remains significant for the detailed observation of physically impossible maneuvers by two credible professional pilots.