HAZARD REPORT OF, Unidentified aircraft operating in W-72 without coordinating with controlling agencies.

On November 18, 2013, a pilot from Strike Fighter Squadron 143 (VFA-143) conducting a currency flight in the W-72 1A/B operating area encountered an unidentified aircraft. The pilot, operating an F/A-18E, was informed by the controlling agency, Fleet Area Control and Surveillance Facility (FACSFAC) VACAPES, that there was no traffic in the area. Shortly after this check-in, the pilot detected a radar track at 12,000 feet traveling at Mach 0.1. Upon visual acquisition, the pilot identified a small, white aircraft with an approximately five-foot wingspan, which was subsequently determined to be an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS). The pilot tracked the UAS for approximately one hour and relayed its position to the controlling agency. Despite the pilot's tracking, the controlling facility never observed a corresponding radar return or squawk. Post-flight investigations by the controlling agency, which included contacting local UAS operators and querying naval surface vessels in the vicinity, failed to identify the operator of the UAS or the identity of a naval vessel observed traveling south in the area. The report concludes that the incident was caused by an unknown agency failing to notify the controlling agency of UAS operations. The document highlights the significant mid-air collision risk posed by small, non-radar-apparent UASs and stresses the critical need for proper scheduling, situational awareness, and adherence to established airspace procedures to ensure flight safety.