Unidentified Flying Objects (UFO) Sighting Report — Fayetteville, N.C., 14 November 1966

On 14 November 1966, at approximately 2255Z, a civilian witness in Fayetteville, North Carolina, reported observing a pale yellow light in the sky. The witness, a copywriter for radio station WFAI, described the object as a light that drifted slowly toward the southwest. Children present at the scene remarked that the object resembled a shooting star that did not extinguish. The observation lasted for five minutes. The witness also reported observing a small light aircraft, possibly an L-19 or L-20, flying directly beneath the light before banking and departing the area. The incident was investigated by Captain Robert C. Finley of the 464 TRP CARR WG. In his assessment, Captain Finley noted that the description of the object, its movements, and the presence of the light aircraft strongly suggested a Special Forces search exercise utilizing high-intensity parachute flares. He concluded that this explanation accounted for the observed drift and oscillating motion of the light, noting that such exercises were a common local practice.