PARIS (75) 28.04.2019

On 28 April 2019 at 21:35, a witness at a window saw a craft with irregularly flashing white lights. It seemed stationary, then moved slowly and finally very fast at low altitude. No sound was heard. The witness recorded 2 videos. Only 1 account was collected. Comparison of the account, videos and radar track allowed GEIPAN to identify an aircraft with certainty (see the investigation report). It explained the unusual impressions through the aircraft's changing orientation: initially it approached with bright landing lights obscuring its flashing lights, appearing stationary; a 90° left turn revealed the flashing lights; and straight east-to-west flight created a sudden impression of acceleration. GEIPAN classified the case A: aircraft.