The Chiles-Whitted UFO Encounter

In the early morning hours of July 24, 1948, Eastern Air Lines pilots Clarence Chiles and John Whitted observed a cigar-shaped craft with glowing windows pass their DC-3 at close range near Montgomery, Alabama. Their detailed report, coming from experienced commercial pilots, became one of the most significant early UFO cases.

The Encounter

At approximately 2:45 AM, Captains Chiles and Whitted were flying an Eastern Air Lines DC-3 at 5,000 feet near Montgomery when they observed a bright light approaching from the northeast.

As the object neared, they could see it clearly in the moonlight. It passed their aircraft at a distance estimated between 700 and 1,000 feet, allowing several seconds of detailed observation.

The Object

Both pilots provided consistent descriptions:

• Cigar or torpedo-shaped craft
• Approximately 100 feet long, 25-30 feet in diameter
• Two rows of glowing windows or ports along the side
• Blue glow emanating from the underside
• Bright flame or exhaust trailing from the rear
• No wings visible
• Tremendous speed (later estimated at 700+ mph)

One passenger who was awake also reported seeing a bright light flash past the aircraft.

Official Report

Both pilots submitted detailed reports to their airline and to Air Force investigators. Their accounts were consistent and professionally presented.

Chiles, a pilot since 1932, had extensive aviation experience. Whitted was equally qualified. Their credibility was never questioned.

Air Force Investigation

The sighting occurred during a peak period of UFO activity, and the Air Force took it seriously. Project Sign investigators concluded the object was likely an extraterrestrial spacecraft—a conclusion that was rejected by Pentagon leadership.

The official report was amended to suggest the pilots had seen an “unusually bright meteor.” Chiles and Whitted rejected this explanation, noting that meteors don’t have windows, maintain level flight, or pull up before passing.

The Windows

The glowing windows or ports were particularly significant. Both pilots independently described them as appearing to be illuminated from within—not simply reflecting light.

This detail suggested an artificial craft with interior lighting, not a natural phenomenon.

Project Sign

The Chiles-Whitted case was one of several that influenced Project Sign’s “Estimate of the Situation”—a classified report concluding that some UFOs were extraterrestrial. Air Force Chief of Staff General Hoyt Vandenberg rejected the estimate and ordered it destroyed.

Significance

The case was significant for several reasons:

• Experienced, credible witnesses
• Close-range observation
• Detailed, consistent descriptions
• Structured craft with apparent windows
• Official investigation produced divided conclusions

Legacy

The Chiles-Whitted sighting established that UFOs were being observed by trained aviation professionals whose judgment was otherwise trusted completely. Their detailed description of a craft unlike any known aircraft couldn’t be easily dismissed.

The case demonstrated early tension between investigators who believed UFOs might be extraordinary and military leadership determined to minimize the subject.

Chiles and Whitted maintained their account throughout their careers, never wavering in their description of what they observed that July morning.