Unresolved

The Tehran F-4 Chase

Catalog FG-048When September 19, 1976Where Tehran, Iran

Iranian jets lose instruments as they approach a brilliant light. A U.S. intelligence memo followed.

Residents reported a bright light, and the Iranian Air Force sent two F-4 Phantom jets. Each pilot said instruments or weapons controls failed as he closed in, and one reported a smaller bright object separating from the main light. A Defense Intelligence Agency report described it as a classic case.

Weigh the evidence

The ledger

What the record shows, what people say, and the best explanation available so far.

What's documented

  • The DIA report was released through FOIA.
  • Pilot interviews were conducted by Iranian and U.S. officers.

What's claimed

  • Craft disabled fighter jets.

Best explanation so far

Klass argued the light was Jupiter and the failures were coincident equipment problems in poorly maintained jets. The detailed reports keep it on most lists of strong cases.

Where to look

Check the sources

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