Chicago O’Hare disc
DISPUTED
A ramp worker pushing back United Flight 446 saw a dark disc hovering low over Gate C-17; pilots, supervisors and mechanics came out to watch. Witnesses said it shot straight up through the overcast, leaving a clear hole in the clouds that closed moments later. The story emerged via a Chicago Tribune FOIA request.
Explanation
The FAA called it a "weather phenomenon" and did not investigate; conditions suited a hole-punch cloud. Nothing appeared on radar.
What was seen
Shape: Dark grey metallic disc, 6–24 ft
Witnesses: ~12 United Airlines employees; people outside the airport
Duration: ~5 minutes
Browse
- United States
- 2000s
- Disputed
- Aviation encounters
- Official government documents
- Many independent witnesses
- Pilot and aircrew witnesses
- Discs and saucers