The hovering UFO over O'Hare International Airport (2006)
Short description of the event
On November 7, 2006, several airport employees, pilots, and air traffic controllers at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport observed a disc-shaped, dark gray UFO hovering over Gate C17 for several minutes. It was completely silent, displayed no discernible propulsion systems, and eventually disappeared vertically upward at tremendous speed, leaving a clear hole in the cloud cover. The FAA later declared it a weather phenomenon—a claim contradicted by many witnesses.
Official report from the New York Post
When and where did this all happen?
The event occurred on November 7, 2006, at approximately 4:30 p.m. local time at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, Illinois, USA. The sky at that time was overcast with low cloud cover.
Main features of the event
The observed object was metallic gray to dark, disc-shaped, and lacked any visible lights or propulsion systems. It hovered motionless above the airport before accelerating vertically upward, tearing a circular hole in the cloud cover that remained visible for minutes. At least twelve eyewitnesses, including pilots, mechanics, and air traffic controllers, independently observed the phenomenon.
Investigation and clarification attempts
The FAA classified the event as an optical illusion or weather phenomenon, noting that no radar data was available. No official investigation was launched because, according to the FAA, there was no safety threat. However, many witnesses contradicted this account, emphasizing that they saw a real object. The incident gained worldwide media attention through media reports—most notably the Chicago Tribune —after a whistleblower leaked information. To date, no photos or videos clearly showing the object have been released.
List of the most credible witnesses
Among the most credible witnesses were several United Airlines pilots who saw the object from the cockpit and described it as solid and metallic. Airport mechanics and ground crew also observed the object from various locations. Some air traffic controllers confirmed that no regular air traffic was in the observed area. Chicago Tribune journalist Jon Hilkevitch made the case public after receiving internal reports.
Conclusion on credibility
The O'Hare UFO is one of the most credible modern sightings, as several experienced and independent witnesses gave consistent descriptions.
Pro-credibility: Qualified eyewitnesses, unusual flight maneuvers, apparent behavior of the FAA, which seemingly suppressed the case.
Counter-credibility: No confirmed radar or video recordings; possibility of optical illusion remains.
Credibility: High , although physical evidence is lacking.