The Nash-Fortenberry Sighting

On July 14, 1952, during the famous Washington D.C. UFO flap, Pan American Airways pilots William Nash and William Fortenberry witnessed six disc-shaped objects performing impossible maneuvers near Norfolk, Virginia. Their detailed professional testimony has made this one of the classic UFO cases of the era.

The Pilots

Captain William Nash:

• Pan Am pilot
• Experienced aviator
• 9,000 flight hours
• Professional observer
• First Officer Fortenberry
• Equally experienced

The Flight

July 14, 1952:

• Pan Am DC-4
• Miami to New York
• 8,000 feet altitude
• Clear night
• Good visibility

The Sighting

Around 8:12 PM:

• Bright lights below
• Approaching rapidly
• Six objects
• In formation
• Below aircraft

The Objects

Pilots described:

• Six disc-shaped craft
• Glowing red-orange
• 100 feet diameter
• Defined edges
• In echelon formation

The Maneuver

Most remarkable:

• Objects tilted edge-up
• Reversed direction instantly
• No arc of turn
• Impossible for aircraft
• Defied physics

The Second Group

Then appeared:

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

Speed Estimate

Pilots calculated:

• 12,000 mph minimum
• Based on visual
• Time and distance
• Extraordinary velocity
• Beyond any aircraft

Ground Witnesses

Near Newport News:

• Ground observers
• Saw same objects
• Same time
• Corroboration
• Multiple vantage points

The Report

Both pilots:

• Filed official report
• Interviewed by Air Force
• Detailed drawings
• Consistent accounts
• Professional documentation

Air Force Interest

Project Blue Book:

• Investigated case
• Interviewed pilots
• No explanation offered
• Case remained open
• Listed as unexplained

The Instant Reversal

Most inexplicable aspect:

• No known aircraft
• Could reverse instantly
• Without turning arc
• Suggested technology
• Beyond human capability

Pilot Credibility

Both men:

• Long careers
• Professional reputations
• No motive to fabricate
• Everything to lose
• Maintained accounts

Significance

The Nash-Fortenberry sighting is significant for:

• Dual pilot witnesses
• Impossible maneuvers observed
• Ground corroboration
• Professional documentation
• During major flap

Legacy

The Nash-Fortenberry sighting remains one of the most credible pilot UFO encounters. The impossible reversal maneuver they witnessed has never been adequately explained, and their professional standing lends weight to their account.