Initial Report of Investigation of UFO - 22 November 1966

On the night of 22 November 1966, two employees of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science observed an unidentified aerial phenomenon while driving on the Colonial Parkway in Virginia. The witnesses described a round, extremely bright object, blue-green to yellow-green in color, which appeared to be falling to the earth at an angle of 25 to 30 degrees. The object, which was estimated to be larger than the full moon, emitted sparks from its sides and rear but left no apparent trail. The observation lasted approximately two to three seconds before the object disappeared behind trees. Two other passengers in the vehicle did not see the object. The Air Force investigation, conducted by Captain Robert R. Dockum, concluded that the object was likely a meteor, noting that the Leonoid Meteor Shower was active at the time and that the object's description matched that of a bolide meteor. The report also suggests the possibility of jet aircraft afterburner fires, noting the high density of military air traffic in the area. The investigating officer noted that one of the witnesses had a known interest in UFOs, which was considered in the assessment of the report's reliability.