Interviewer notes limited ATC / FAA reporting channels. Newark airport has consistent reports of unknown objects between 2000 - 9,000 feet AGL.

During daytime descent into Newark on 2023-06-16, the flight was on approach when the captain observed, through the windscreen, a black ring-shaped object described as large enough for a small car to pass through, approximately the size of a small SUV, and circular in form. The object passed the aircraft on the right side at a proximity the witness estimated to be within ~300 ft. 

The captain, serving as pilot in command, watched the first officer turn his head to track the object as it moved past; immediately after, the first officer stated he did not know what he had seen (as reported by the captain). The witness was unable to determine the object’s flight characteristics or velocity/acceleration. No emissions, luminosity, or aerodynamic effects were noted beyond its matte-black appearance; no effects were observed on navigation systems. 

The captain considered the object a potential traffic hazard and decided to inform air traffic control. Upon arrival, the crew was given a discrete ground frequency and a website to file a report; after accessing the site and seeing the nature of the questions, the captain elected not to submit a report.

Commercial Air

While descending toward Newark, New Jersey, the reporting airline captain observed a black, ring-shaped object at close range. The object, described as roughly the size of a small SUV, passed the aircraft off the right side at an estimated distance of ~300 ft. The witness was unable to determine the object’s motion characteristics and reported no effects on onboard systems.

The witnesses were two commercial aviators. One had eight years of experience as a UH-60 pilot, including three years in JSOC, and three years as a commercial captain. The other was a former Marine pilot serving as the first officer. Both have reported multiple flights involving UAP observations.

Report ID: COM-2023-636

Summary

Witness Background

Event Narrative

Analyst Notes

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