Posted: November 28, 2009

Location of Sighting: Hinckley, Leicestershire
Date of Sighting: 27th November 2009
Time: 3:50 pm

Witness Statement: Whilst on my way home from work, driving in Hinckley, Leicestershire, my friend and I spotted a large, very bright, orange glowing ball, moving towards a nearby airport, from our right to left. I assume East Midlands Airport. It was traveling fairly slowly towards the take off path, It was too large to be lights on a plane as it appeared only about 200-300ft in altitude, and we should have been able to see the rest of the plane, and there where no beacons at all. Our view was then blocked by the near trees, when we emerged, it had gone. What was now visible was a plane coming in the opposite direction, taking off, they had been on a collision course until it vanished. It was not a Chinese lantern, as it was far too bright.( I have seen one of those before, and have just examined more pics of them to make sure).

Note: The plane that was taking off appeared to be slightly further back (about 50-100ft) and we could still see the whole fuselage in the evening light, so we should have been able to see the other plane in full.