Unidentified Flashes on Surface of Sea — 24 August 1952

On 24 August 1952, at approximately 2330Z, the crew of a C-124 transport aircraft, piloted by Major Hugh L. Baynes and Captain Charles H. Link of the 6th Air Transport Squadron, observed an unusual phenomenon while flying from Lajes Air Force Base, Azores, to Nouasseur Air Base, French Morocco. At an altitude of 7,500 feet and a position of 34°35' N - 12°14' W, the crew witnessed a distinct greenish-blue, fan-shaped flash on the surface of the sea, estimated to be 50 to 75 miles from the aircraft at an angle of one o'clock. The crew described the appearance as similar to gunfire or an explosion. Five minutes later, a second, identical flash was observed at the same location. Following the observation, the aircraft continued its flight, but the area was monitored to determine if surface vessels were present. The search yielded negative results, and the area appeared free of any signs of fire or explosion. The incident was subsequently reported to the MATS liaison officer on duty. Major J. M. Penny, Division Intelligence Officer, documented the event in report IR-555-52, noting the lack of evidence for any conventional explanation.