South African phantom monoplanes
- Date
- 11 Aug 1914
- Place
- Various parts of South Africa
- Record
- Curated case
- Assessment
- Contested
- Evidence strength
What was reported
From 11 August to 9 September 1914, in the weeks before the South West Africa campaign, thousands of South Africans reported a night-flying monoplane or its headlights, sometimes performing complex manoeuvres. Many suspected a German spy or bomber, but no aircraft, pilot, airfield or landing place was ever found, and the possibility was discounted. The wave is studied as an example of wartime anxiety and possible mass misperception.
What officials concluded
No conclusion stated
No official explanation has been given.
Strongest ordinary reading
Misidentified stars and planets amid wartime fear (mass misperception)
Evidence profile
Sensors1 of 9
- Yes: Visual
- No: Infrared
- No: Radar
- No: Video
- No: Photo
- No: Film
- No: Audio
- No: Night vision
- No: Other sensor
Witnessescount not stated
- Yes: Civilian
- No: Military aircrew
- No: Military ground
- No: Airline crew
- No: Sensor operator
- No: Law enforcement
- No: Scientist
- No: Astronaut
- No: Intelligence official
- No: Other
ShapeLight only
- Yes: Light only
- No: Orb or sphere
- No: Disc
- No: Triangle
- No: Cylinder
- No: Cube
- No: Other shape
Effectsnone reported
- No: Physiological
- No: Physical trace
- No: Electromagnetic
- No: Sound
- No: Silent
Outside sources
- Wikipedia: UFO sightings in South Africaen.wikipedia.org
On the map
29.00° S, 25.00° E, plotted at the centre of the country
Show on the map