2021-06-09 - Arlington, VA - Formation

Three Objects with Colored Contrails in the Skys over Arlington, Virginia

Proceeding Eastbound on Route 66. Took Fairfax Drive/Glebe Road Exit. While stopped in traffic at light at intersection of Fairfax Drive and Glebe Road, facing East towards Washington, DC, I was surprised to see multiple objects in front of me, at an elevation of about 45 degrees and at a height of about 1,500 feet. Ultimately, I counted three objects. Each of which was followed by a long, twisted, winding contrail, of perhaps 1,000 feet or more. The contrails were identical for each object, but were not the typical contrail from condensation of water vapor. Rather, they were brown/reddish in color. The three objects moved helter-skelter, crossing each other's paths. I initially thought that they might be helicopters that had been struck by surface to air missiles (very reminiscent of a scene in "London has Fallen." But there was no sound. Then I saw what appeared to be a regular airplane in the nearby area, flying--it was a mid-sized plane with! what appeared to be a fixed (non-retracted) nose landing gear. This led me to think that perhaps the objects were "sky divers" or hang-gliders. But the airplane was oblivious and was flying in a direction different from the three object. In an instant, two of the objects--and their contrails--vanished. Only one object remained. Then the last object and its contrail also vanished. I had a smartphone and thought of taking a picture; but I fumbled around unable to figure out how to use and it was too late anyway. I called my friend as the matter was unfolding and asked if he was aware of what I had just seen. He was not and said he would check the news. Very odd as I thought the objects were in restricted airspace. I suggested that maybe it had been a publicity stunt. I'm reporting for what it's worth in case no one else does. This happened in broad daylight, in plain view. I would be surprised if it was not observed by many people in addition to myself. !