2007-09-02 - Charlotte, NC - Unknown

Grayish object flying fast North to south over Independence Blvd

On September 02, 2007, at 2339, I was looking up during a cigarette break at work, standing at the Carmax on Independence Blvd in Charlotte, NC. There is a low to medium level of light pollution, and looking almost straight up under an overhang cuts out most of that. I was outside about 5 minutes, and I was looking up, as I usually do at night, looking at constellations, and I happened to notice and watch a very high flying airliner flying approximately east to west. I then noticed an object flying very fast approximately north to south. It was a dark grayish shape, with a tiny spot of an orangish color that really seemed like a reflection of light versus an active light, and it was almost unnoticeable except for the movement. I would say it was almost oval-ish. It first appeared directly overhead, and was flying at a much higher rate of speed than I've seen any aircraft at a visible level. It was going slow enough to follow it with the naked eye, however. I first thought it might be a helium ballon due to the characteristics of appearing smaller but moving faster than a plane may. However, there is no wind during this incident.

I have no idea how high or the size of the object, but I would guess possibly 2000 feet up, possibly more, but no where near the height of the airliner. It traveled in a straight line, jinked to the right similar to a bat would move, about 6-10 degrees, flew about a second on that heading, then jinked back to the left, again in the same instantaneous motion, a smooth, quick motion, while continuing on. I would say from noticing it almost directly overhead, until I could not see it, lasted about 5-7 seconds. I shouted at a coworker to look up, but they had just stepped out of hearing range at the time. I am not taking any medication, do not drink, and have been at work about 6 hours when this happed, so I am fully awake and alert. I called Charlotte Douglas airport and asked for a controller to ask if they saw anything, they replied the only thing they had was a plane flying around to land at the airport.

I know there is no way this thing was a plane. No flying lights, no blinking lights, the 2 smooth curves it made while flying. If there was a helicopter that could angle that fast, I might believe that is what I saw, however there were no lights and I don't believe helicopters fly nearly that fast.

I spent 10 years in the Air Force and have seen a few planes fly. Nothing this fast, seemingly lower height, and the turns/curves it made. Would like to hear if anyone else saw anything.