Two pilots reported seeing fast-moving, unidentified flying objects (UFO) over Eugene, Oregon, on Saturday night (Dec. 7), according to a recorded exchange with air traffic control.
The incident, later shared on social media, has sparked further questions about similar sightings across the U.S.
In the 44-minute audio recording, archived by LiveATC.net, the pilots described unusual red, circular lights in the sky.
The objects reportedly moved erratically toward the ocean before returning at different altitudes. One pilot noted that the objects flew at extreme speeds in twisting, corkscrew patterns.
An air traffic controller instructed a United Airlines pilot, identified by the callsign UA1596, to “maneuver as necessary left and right to avoid the UFO out there.”
En route from Denver to Eugene, the flight was flying west over the Willamette National Forest at the time.
“Is there any military activity out straight ahead of us?” the pilot asked.
“1596, no, we’re not seeing anything,” the controller replied. “I had another report at like 30,000 feet in the Eugene area, we’re not sure what it is.”
“Yeah, there’s lots moving out there,” the pilot said. “Looking straight west to Eugene. We’re seeing 3 or 4 targets… they’re at all altitudes, up and down, it’s pretty crazy.”
At 8:46 p.m. PST, a MEDEVAC pilot also reported seeing unusual activity. “Is there traffic out about our 2 to 3 o’clock, at about, I don’t know, 20 or 30 miles?” the pilot asked.
The controller responded, “No, is that the four different lights going up and down? I’m getting a few reports. Are you seeing it right in front of you as well?”
“It’s 2 to 3 o’clock from our position. Looks about 20 miles, going in circles,” the MEDEVAC pilot replied.
According to flight-tracking site flightradar24.com, the only other aircraft nearby was a Pilatus PC-12 NG, commonly used as an air ambulance. At the time, it was flying southwest over the Siuslaw National Forest.
At 8:53 p.m. PST, the MEDEVAC pilot reported another sighting. “Just had another one show up, at my 1 o’clock, about 1,000 feet high, zipping towards us and then back out towards the ocean. Red in color. Moving at extreme speed, I just don’t know how to describe it.”
The controller authorized evasive action. “Roger. You are clear to maneuver as necessary left and right to avoid the UFO out there.
And uh, all of the reports you’re giving us are good information, appreciate it.” The controller later gave the pilot a phone number to send any captured footage.
A Reddit user, A_Concerned_Viking, later claimed to have texted the number and received images and videos.
The user posted the content, which showed a light in the sky and dark, unclear footage from a plane cabin.
These Oregon UFO sightings follow recent reports of mysterious drone activity in New Jersey and New York. The FBI is investigating incidents where drones were seen near sensitive military sites.
During a congressional hearing on Tuesday about drone threats, lawmakers questioned why the FBI had few answers after more than a month.
The lack of clarity has fueled speculation about the origin and purpose of these sightings, including theories about crash sites, time anomalies, and even extra-terrestrial involvement. Despite growing reports, the phenomenon remains unexplained.
