[D701] de NIEDERSOULTZBACH (67) vers BOUXWILLER (67) 07.10.2013

On 7 October 2013 at about 14:15, a driver leaving Niedersoultzbach (67) on the D701 towards Bouxwiller saw a large, pale, oblong shape stationary in the sky. He watched for about 3 minutes until the terrain hid it. About 2 minutes later he stopped, got out of the car and tried unsuccessfully to find it again. He estimated that it was less than 3 km away, at an altitude of about 200–300 m. Low cloud covered the sky, with a ceiling below 400 m. Only 1 account was collected. The source states that a zeppelin was transferred to Friedrichshafen, Germany, for winter storage at the end of October, remaining there until March. GEIPAN considers that the October timing and Niedersoultzbach's location on the direct route from its departure base at Pontoise-Corneilles-en-Vexin to Friedrichshafen make it likely that this zeppelin was over the area at the observation time. The source thus gives a late-October transfer alongside the 7 October observation date. Its appearance, especially its white oblong form, matches the account. Its dimensions—75 m long, 19 m wide and a cabin about 10 m long—also fit the witness's estimate of 10 cm at arm's length. This corresponds to a 75 m object at 750 m, without the gondola being distinguishable. The source describes a helium-filled envelope and electric propulsion, offering this as the explanation for the silence. GEIPAN considers that its maximum speed of 120 km/h could give an impression of remaining still, especially with the motorist travelling in the same direction. GEIPAN classifies the case B: probable observation of a zeppelin.