NUFORC Sighting 23328

Occurred: 2001-08-20 21:00 Local - Approximate
Reported: 2002-06-17 11:16 Pacific
Duration: 5min
No of observers: 2

Location: Natches (30 SE of), WA, USA

Shape: Triangle

Triangular Object seen near Rimrock Lake

We were camped on Cash Prarrie (western end of Bethel Ridge) Approxomatily 5 miles ne of Rimrock Lake. This is a large flat area tapering off to a view point in a wooded area to the west. The elevation is 5500-6000 feet. Clear weather near dusk. Visibility was about 30 miles.

We were enjoying the wiew at dusk from the viewpoint,(facing west) we had been observing Navy E-A6 aircraft operating in the area until about 17:00, a UH-1 was fire fighting south of Rimrock lake until about 20:00.

My friend pointed out what looked like a triangular flying wing with a wingspan of about 30ft, and a depth of about 5ft along its centerline. It approached from our right (North) moving at about 100kts, it was silent and had no discernable markings and was dark grey or black in color. It continued south for about 30 sec then turned east as if following US 12 (highway) We ran back to the campsite and retrieved a set of binoculars and returned to the view point. (3 min elapsed time) after about 5 minuets the whatever it was returned and re-traced its prevous route.

Both of us got a good look at it with the binoculars, while the light was poor we could see no protrusions or control surfaces. It passes about 100 west of our position at an altitude of 6000-7000 ft (200 or so AGL) We assumed that we had seen an RPV of some type. Both of us have military backgrounds. Armor for my Friend and Air Defense for my self.

We walked back to our campsite and saw the thing a third time. It was proceeding east to west along Bethel ridge at a very low 100 or so feet AGL. We were emerging from the trees facing onto the open or "prarrie" area of Cash Prarrie. The Object reached a position near our camp. We laughed as we thought some drone operator was trying to have some fun with us. We discussed various rude things to do in return.

The whatever it was slowed to a hover, and began a slow circle of our campsite decending to about 30 ft AGl. it was traveling VERY slowly perhaps 5 kts it kept the pointed "nose" of the craft pointing at the camp as it circled. it was moving far to slowly for areodynamic lift.

Now becomming frightened we hid in some undergrowth as it continued along its prevous course, this took it very nearly over our heads. I laid on my belly and watched it pass to our left. again there was no sound.

We took a quick survey of our camp discovering noting amiss, we then PROMPTLY packed our things and left the area.

As this might damage both of us professionally I ask you not to release any contact info.

NUFORC Note:

We are grateful to the witness for preparing such a fine report. No contact information provided by witnes. Date is approximate. We would like to communicate with the two witnesses about this incident to obtain more information. PD

Posted 2002-07-01