NUFORC Sighting 73456

Occurred: 2009-11-24 21:39 Local
Reported: 2009-11-25 13:12 Pacific
Duration: 30 seconds
No of observers: 1

Location: Cordova, TN, USA

Shape: Triangle
Characteristics: Lights on object, Aura or haze around object, Aircraft nearby

Large triangular-shaped object travelling East to West at approx.Mach 1-1.5 over North Memphis, Tennesee

I have been a commercial pilot since 2001. I have studied aircraft since the age of 4. I have seen many strange things in the air, but nothing compared to this.

At approx.2139 hrs on 24 Nov 2009, I was watching departing air traffic from MEM pass overhead looking North. Something caught my eye to the East. I turned, and saw a Triangle-shaped object that had large dull white lights at all corners. It was either in a right-hand bank turning North, or it was flying due West at a tilt because I could see the bottom of the object while it was apparently miles to the North of me.

It traveled at approx. Mach 1-1.5. It was completetly silent. That impacted me quite a bit because being a glider pilot as well, I know that even a glider at higher speeds causes a lot of noise through aerodynamic means as air is "split" around the aircraft.

The object passed below a departing CRJ-200 from MEM. I would love to know if anything was picked up on the aircraft's TCAS, or by MEM Center. I have the urge to call them, but fear the backlash that may follow. It was approximately 200 ft across to all corners. It had a dull grey looking surface, and as I said earlier the 3 large white lights were dull.

I don't drink, or use drugs.

I have had an FAA pilot's license for over 20 years, and been with the airlines since 2001...I still feel stunned, even though it's been over 12 hrs ago.

Posted 2009-12-12