Seeking Help to Identify a Sighting
Date and Time: Late February, around the 22nd, during the late night or early morning hours.
Location: Southwestern Michigan, near Grand Rapids.
A family member reported observing an unusual aircraft, depicted in the drawing above. Here are the key details they provided:
- The object appeared relatively short compared to its wing width.
- It emitted a bright white light not directed along its flight path.
- The color of the aircraft was olive green.
- It featured red and green lights at the front.
- The leading edges of the wings had faint white lights.
- The aircraft seemed to be flying at a low altitude.
I believe this could be a terrestrial aircraft, possibly of military origin. However, after 20 years of active service, I can’t think of a specific aircraft that matches this description.
For context, Michigan is home to a couple of Air National Guard bases, and sightings of fighter jets are somewhat common, particularly in the northern regions. While transport aircraft are frequent in the southern parts of the state, I can’t think of one that fits this description.
I apologize for the vague date and time. Any information or insights would be greatly appreciated!
Based on your description of the sighting, it does seem like a fascinating case. The characteristics you’ve provided could potentially narrow down the types of aircraft or objects it might be. Here are a few possibilities to consider:
Military Aircraft: Given the proximity to ANG bases, it’s certainly possible that it could be a military aircraft. Some unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or experimental military aircraft might display unusual characteristics, such as an unconventional shape and lighting patterns. Aircraft like the Gulfstream II or other military transport aircraft occasionally have unique lighting setups.
Drones: The rising popularity of drones among both recreational and military uses could account for the unusual shape and light displays. Military drones can have a very different profile compared to traditional aircraft and might exhibit the olive green coloration along with bright lights.
Civilian Aircraft: While less likely given the description, there are civilian planes that could match some of the features, especially if they were retrofitted or painted in non-standard colors for certain types of operations, such as aerial photography or survey work.
Experimental Aircraft: Sometimes, companies or agencies test out new designs that might not yet be widely known. Some of these aircraft could have unconventional designs and lighting.
Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs): If the object doesn’t match any known aircraft and considering the “very short relative to wing width” detail, it’s worth keeping an open mind to the idea that it could be an unidentified flying object.
You might want to reach out to local aviation authorities or forums that focus on aerial phenomena for more insights. Additionally, checking any military flight schedules or logs around that time period could provide more context. Thank you for sharing the sighting; it’s always intriguing to hear about unusual aerial observations!