The Nash-Fortenberry Sighting

On July 14, 1952, Pan American World Airways pilots William Nash and William Fortenberry observed six brilliant, disc-shaped objects performing impossible aerial maneuvers over Chesapeake Bay. Their professional backgrounds and detailed report made this one of the most credible sightings of the 1952 UFO wave.

The Pilots

Captain William Nash and First Officer William Fortenberry were experienced commercial airline pilots with thousands of flight hours. They were flying a DC-4 from New York to Miami at 8,000 feet.

The Observation

At approximately 8:12 PM, flying near Norfolk, Virginia, both pilots observed six brilliant red-orange discs approaching from the northeast. The objects flew in precise echelon formation at tremendous speed.

As they watched, the lead object slowed, and the following discs flipped on edge and instantly reversed direction. Two additional objects then appeared, joining the formation as all eight departed to the north.

The entire observation lasted approximately 12-15 seconds.

The Objects

Nash and Fortenberry described:

• Six disc-shaped objects (later joined by two more)
• Brilliant red-orange coloration
• Approximately 100 feet in diameter
• 15 feet thick
• Flying in precise formation
• Capable of instantaneous direction reversal
• Estimated speed exceeding 6,000 mph

Maneuvers Observed

The objects demonstrated capabilities beyond known technology:

• Formation flying at extreme speed
• Instantaneous deceleration
• On-edge flipping motion
• Immediate reversal of direction
• Coordinated acceleration away

Official Report

Both pilots immediately reported the sighting upon landing. They were interviewed by military intelligence and submitted detailed written accounts.

Ground observers and radar operators near Norfolk independently confirmed unusual activity that night.

Air Force Investigation

Project Blue Book investigated but couldn’t explain the sighting. The case was classified as “unknown.” The pilots’ credibility was never questioned—their professional judgment on aircraft identification was trusted completely for passenger safety.

Dr. Hynek’s Assessment

Project Blue Book’s scientific consultant, Dr. J. Allen Hynek, considered Nash-Fortenberry one of the most compelling pilot sightings. The detailed description from two experienced observers made it impossible to dismiss.

The 1952 Wave

This sighting occurred during the peak of the 1952 UFO wave—the same summer as the Washington D.C. incursion. The concentration of credible sightings that summer forced the Air Force to address the UFO phenomenon publicly.

Legacy

Nash and Fortenberry maintained their account throughout their careers. Their sighting demonstrated that experienced aviation professionals could observe UFOs performing maneuvers impossible for any known aircraft—and report them professionally without losing credibility.

The case remains a cornerstone of pilot UFO testimony, demonstrating that trained observers continued to report genuinely anomalous phenomena.