The 1980 Peru DC-4 Faucett UFO Encounter: Pilot and 58 Witnesses Report Impossible Aerial Phenomena
On April 5, 1980, Captain Oswaldo Sanviti and his 58 passengers aboard a DC-4 Faucet Airlines flight from Piura to Lima encountered something extraordinary in the skies over Peru. During what should have been a routine journey, Sanviti spotted a luminous, cone-shaped object flying alongside the aircraft about 30 minutes after passing over the city of Chiclayo. The veteran pilot, who had logged over 22,000 hours of flight time, made the unprecedented decision to alert his passengers to the unusual sight.
What followed was a remarkable aerial encounter lasting nearly an hour, during which the mysterious craft performed impossible maneuvers around the aircraft. The object displayed incredible speed, changing colors between blue, red, orange, and white as it moved. Perhaps most unsettling were the electrical anomalies reported during the encounter—cabin lights dimmed and communications equipment failed completely until the object departed. When the UFO finally vanished, only to return moments later with a second identical craft, even the most skeptical passengers aboard, including a university engineering dean and a newspaper editor, found their disbelief challenged by what they had witnessed with their own eyes.
Key Takeaways
A commercial flight with 58 people witnessed a luminous cone-shaped object performing impossible maneuvers around their aircraft for nearly an hour.
The encounter caused electrical interference that disabled radio communications and dimmed cabin lights until the object departed.
Multiple credible witnesses, including skeptics, engineers and journalists, corroborated the sighting details and estimated the object to be approximately 230 feet in diameter.
Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon Sighting
On a routine flight from Pura to Lima in Peru, Captain Oswaldo Sanviti and his passengers experienced an extraordinary encounter with an unidentified flying object. The 40-year-old veteran pilot, with over 22,000 hours of flying experience, first spotted the luminous cone-shaped craft approximately 8 miles from their DC-4 aircraft. The object maintained the same speed, altitude, and direction as the plane.
Captain Sanviti alerted both crew and the 52 passengers to the unusual sight. The mysterious object performed incredible maneuvers around the aircraft for approximately one hour, demonstrating capabilities beyond known aviation technology.
Key Characteristics of the Object:
Cone or top-shaped appearance
Estimated 230 feet in diameter at its top
Luminous with flashing lights (red, orange, blue, white)
Funnel-shaped bottom
Capable of instantaneous directional changes
Achieved extraordinary speeds
During the encounter, the aircraft experienced unexplained electrical interference. The cabin lights dimmed significantly, and all radio communications failed. These systems mysteriously returned to normal operation after the object departed.
The UFO displayed intelligent behavior, moving from the right side of the plane to directly overhead, then positioning itself on the left side approximately 2 miles away. As it passed over the aircraft, witnesses observed color changes in its lights—blue shifting to red and red transforming to orange.
After about an hour of observation, the object vanished with tremendous speed. When Captain Sanviti finally established radio contact with Lima's control tower, the object suddenly reappeared with a second identical craft. Both objects hovered briefly before disappearing again at what appeared to be supersonic speed.
Several credible witnesses provided consistent accounts of the incident:
"I never believed in UFOs for a moment until this happened, but I saw this with my own eyes and I observed this for more than an hour," stated George Santa Maria Calderone, dean of the School of Engineering at the University in Lima. "As an engineer, I can say that this object was something whose speed, size, shape, and method of flying are not known anywhere in the world."
Passenger reactions varied dramatically. While some children found the experience exciting, many adults reported feeling frightened. According to Elmer Nunz, managing editor of a Peruvian newspaper, some women nearly became hysterical, with one bursting into tears.
Captain Sanviti theorized that the objects departed quickly after intercepting his radio transmission to the control tower. He had specifically requested photographers and camera operators be ready to document the objects upon landing.
Pilot and Passenger Reactions
When Captain Oswaldo Sanviti spotted an unusual luminous object about 30 minutes outside of Lima, he made a bold decision to inform everyone on board. Using the aircraft's loudspeaker system, he announced: "Everybody look out the windows to our right. There's a strange object there and it's watching us. It's a UFO."
The 52 passengers and 6 crew members rushed to the windows, where they observed a bright cone-shaped craft maneuvering alongside their DC-4 aircraft. As passengers watched, the object performed impossible aerial maneuvers—bobbing up and down, changing position rapidly, and occasionally approaching the aircraft closely enough for detailed observation.
During the encounter, several aircraft systems malfunctioned:
Radio communications failed
Cabin lights dimmed significantly
Normal operations were disrupted for about an hour
The mysterious object displayed various colored lights throughout the encounter:
Blue lights at the top
Red lights on the underside
Orange lights during certain maneuvers
White lights during parallel flight
Passenger reactions varied dramatically based on age and temperament. Many adults reported feeling frightened or anxious, with some women becoming nearly hysterical. One woman broke down in tears before being comforted by another passenger. In stark contrast, children aboard the flight found the entire experience exciting and entertaining.
George Santa Maria Calderone, dean of Lima University's School of Engineering, experienced a profound shift in his worldview. "I never believed in UFOs for a moment until this happened," he stated afterward. "As an engineer, I can say that this object's speed, size, shape, and method of flying are not known anywhere in the world."
Newspaper editor Elmer Nunz similarly admitted: "I had always heard of UFOs but I never put stock in them until this occurred. Now I am convinced. The whole thing scared me."
Captain Sanviti, a veteran with over 22,000 flight hours, estimated the object's diameter at approximately 230 feet across its widest section. When he finally reestablished radio contact with Lima's control tower, he specifically requested photographers be ready to document the objects upon landing.
Intriguingly, as soon as Sanviti began communicating with the tower, the object vanished at incredible speed—only to return moments later with a second identical craft. Both UFOs hovered briefly near the aircraft before disappearing permanently with what witnesses described as "supersonic speed."
Object Description and Maneuvers
The luminous cone-shaped object first appeared alongside the DC4 aircraft about 30 minutes after departure from Pura. Captain Oswaldo Sanviti, a 40-year-old veteran pilot with over 22,000 hours of flight experience, initially spotted the craft approximately 8 miles from the plane while flying at 7,000 feet altitude. The strange vessel maintained the same speed and direction as the aircraft, seemingly observing it.
The UFO exhibited remarkable maneuverability, performing rapid vertical movements while maintaining its parallel position. It displayed a variety of brilliant colors that changed depending on its position and movements:
When parallel to aircraft: Primarily white lights
During ascent/descent: Blue, red, and orange lights
Top portion: Bluish light
Underside: Red light (changing to orange during certain maneuvers)
Captain Sanviti estimated the object measured approximately 230 feet in diameter at its widest point. The craft featured a distinctive funnel-shaped bottom, resembling an upside-down spinning top. Its surface appeared smooth and unlike any conventional aircraft.
The object's movements became increasingly complex throughout the encounter. It began by keeping pace with the plane on the right side, then suddenly accelerated toward the aircraft and passed directly overhead. During the hour-long encounter, the UFO performed several remarkable maneuvers:
Rapid vertical ascents and descents
Position changes from right to left sides of the aircraft
Close approaches followed by distancing
Sudden disappearance with incredible acceleration
When the mysterious craft first departed, it vanished with a brilliant flash of light and extraordinary speed. Shortly thereafter, it returned with a second identical object. Both crafts hovered around the plane briefly before disappearing again with what witnesses described as supersonic speed.
Notably, during the close encounter, the aircraft experienced electrical disruptions. The cabin lights dimmed significantly, and all radio communications failed. These systems returned to normal functioning immediately after the object departed.
The 52 passengers and 6 crew members aboard had varying reactions to the event. Some children found the experience exciting, while several adults reported feeling frightened or anxious. Multiple witnesses, including engineering experts on board, confirmed they had observed something beyond conventional aviation technology.
Communications and Electrical Anomalies
During the flight from Pura to Lima, approximately 30 minutes after departing Pio, Captain Oswaldo Sanviti observed a luminous cone-shaped object flying parallel to the aircraft. This object maintained the same speed and altitude as the plane, approximately 8 miles away. When Captain Sanviti attempted to contact Lima control tower, the aircraft experienced complete radio failure.
Simultaneously, the cabin lights significantly dimmed. These electrical anomalies persisted for approximately one hour—the duration of the primary encounter with the unidentified object. The timing of these disruptions strongly suggests a connection between the object's proximity and the aircraft's electrical systems.
When the object initially departed at high speed, the electrical systems immediately returned to normal functioning. The cabin lights regained full brightness and radio communications were instantly restored. This immediate recovery further indicates a direct correlation between the object's presence and the electrical disturbances.
Interestingly, when Captain Sanviti established contact with Lima tower and began describing the encounter, the object reappeared with a second identical craft. During this second encounter, however, the electrical systems remained operational. Captain Sanviti speculated that the objects may have intercepted his radio transmission to the control tower, prompting their quick departure.
The pattern of these anomalies supports the possibility of electromagnetic interference:
System Affected During Primary Encounter After Object Departed During Secondary Encounter Radio Communications Complete failure Fully restored Operational Cabin Lighting Significantly dimmed Returned to normal brightness Operational
These technical disruptions were witnessed and confirmed by all 58 individuals aboard, including the engineering dean of Lima University who was particularly qualified to assess such unusual phenomena.
Second Sighting and Mysterious Disappearance
The startling encounter began approximately 30 minutes after departing from Pura, as Captain Oswaldo Sanviti's DC-4 aircraft passed over the city of Ccho. At roughly 6:00 p.m., flying at 7,000 feet, Sanviti noticed a luminous, cone-shaped object about 8 miles from the plane.
The veteran pilot, who had logged over 22,000 flight hours, immediately alerted both crew and passengers. "Look out the windows to our right. There's a strange object watching us—a UFO," he announced over the loudspeaker. All 52 passengers and 6 crew members rushed to see the phenomenon.
The object maintained the same speed, altitude, and direction as the aircraft while performing extraordinary maneuvers:
Shooting straight up before descending again
Maintaining parallel position with the aircraft
Displaying vibrant color changes (blue, red, orange, white)
Moving with incredible velocity
Passing directly over the aircraft
As the UFO approached closer, Captain Sanviti estimated its upper diameter at approximately 230 feet. The craft featured a distinctive funnel-shaped bottom, with a bluish light at its top and red illumination on its underside—colors that mysteriously swapped positions as it passed overhead.
During this hour-long encounter, several unusual effects occurred aboard the aircraft:
Aircraft Systems Effect During Encounter Cabin lights Significantly dimmed Radio communications Completely disabled Passenger reactions Mix of fear and fascination
"I kept trying the radio but could not get any life in it at all," Sanviti later reported. Children aboard seemed to enjoy the spectacle, while some adult passengers became increasingly anxious—one woman even burst into tears.
After approximately an hour of aerial observation, the object vanished with an astonishing burst of speed. Immediately, the aircraft's systems returned to normal operation. The cabin lights brightened, and radio functionality was completely restored.
As Captain Sanviti established contact with Lima control tower to report the incident, something even more extraordinary occurred. The UFO suddenly reappeared—this time accompanied by a second, identical craft. Both objects briefly hovered near the plane before disappearing together with another remarkable display of supersonic acceleration.
George Santa Maria Calderone, dean of Lima University's School of Engineering and passenger on the flight, remarked: "I never believed in UFOs until this happened. As an engineer, I can say this object's speed, size, shape, and flight capabilities are unknown anywhere in the world."
Influence on Skeptics
The 1980 aircraft encounter over Peru stands as a remarkable case that transformed the views of some previously committed skeptics. During a routine flight from Pura to Lima, a DC-4 aircraft operated by Faucet Airlines encountered an unexplained aerial phenomenon that lasted over an hour, witnessed by all 58 people aboard.
Among the witnesses were individuals who had previously dismissed the existence of UFOs. George Santa Maria Calderone, dean of the School of Engineering at the University in Lima, experienced a profound shift in perspective. "I never believed in UFOs for a moment until this happened, but I saw this with my own eyes and I observed this for more than an hour," he stated after the encounter. As an engineer, he specifically noted that the object's "speed, size, shape, and method of flying are not known anywhere in the world."
Similarly, newspaper managing editor Elmer Nunz admitted, "I had always heard of UFOs but I never put stock in them until this occurred." The experience left him convinced and frightened by what he had witnessed alongside dozens of other passengers.
The credibility of the witnesses has made this case particularly compelling. Captain Oswaldo Sanviti, a 40-year-old veteran pilot with over 22,000 hours of flying experience, provided detailed observations of the luminous cone-shaped craft that performed impossible maneuvers around the aircraft. The academic and professional backgrounds of key witnesses added weight to their testimonies.
Significant aspects that impressed skeptical observers included:
The object's unusual movements at incredible speeds
The craft's estimated diameter of approximately 230 feet
Interference with the aircraft's electrical systems
The appearance of a second identical object
The observation period lasting over an hour
Multiple witnesses corroborating the same details
The reactions aboard the aircraft varied considerably. While some adult passengers experienced fear and anxiety—with some women reportedly near hysteria—children on the flight found the experience exciting. This range of emotional responses adds a layer of human authenticity to the accounts.
What makes this case particularly valuable in understanding UFO skepticism is how it demonstrates that direct personal experience can override previously held beliefs. Both Calderone and Nunz represent examples of individuals whose worldviews changed not through persuasion or secondhand accounts, but through direct observation of something that defied their understanding of what was possible.
Concluding the Extraordinary Encounter
As the luminous object disappeared with incredible speed, the cabin lights returned to full brightness and radio communications were suddenly restored. Captain Oswaldo Sanviti, a veteran pilot with over 22,000 hours of flying experience, immediately contacted Lima airport's control tower to report the unexplained phenomenon. During his transmission, something even more astonishing occurred.
Without warning, the cone-shaped craft reappeared—but this time it wasn't alone. A second identical object accompanied it. The two craft hovered briefly near the aircraft before both vanished with another burst of supersonic speed. This final appearance seemed triggered by the radio transmission itself.
"I believe they became aware I was communicating with the control tower, which is why they immediately disappeared again," Captain Sanviti later explained. He specifically noted that his request for photographers and camera crews to document the objects upon landing may have prompted their hasty departure.
The DC-4 landed safely at Lima airport shortly afterward. The 52 passengers and 6 crew members, though shaken by their experience, provided remarkably consistent accounts of what they had witnessed. The encounter had lasted approximately one hour, during which the primary object:
Maintained pace with the aircraft
Executed rapid vertical movements
Passed directly over the plane
Changed colors (blue, red, orange, white)
Approached within close proximity
Disrupted the aircraft's electrical systems
Several passengers experienced profound shifts in their worldview. George Santa Maria Calderone, dean of Lima University's School of Engineering, admitted, "I never believed in UFOs until this happened. As an engineer, I can confirm this object's speed, size, shape, and flight capabilities are unknown anywhere in the world."
Similarly, Elmer Nunez, managing editor of a Peruvian newspaper, confessed, "I had always heard of UFOs but never put stock in them until this occurred. Now I'm convinced—and the whole thing scared me."
Passenger reactions varied significantly during the encounter:
Adults: Primarily exhibited fear and anxiety
Women: Some approached hysteria, with at least one breaking into tears
Children: Generally found the experience exciting and entertaining
The cone-shaped craft, estimated at approximately 230 feet in diameter at its top, displayed technology far beyond conventional aircraft. Its ability to instantly accelerate, change direction, and potentially monitor communications left a lasting impression on all who witnessed it that evening over Peru.
Captain Oswaldo Sanviti's Background
Captain Oswaldo Sanviti, aged 40, was a veteran pilot with over 22,000 flight hours of experience. He was employed by Faucet, a now-defunct Peruvian airline, where he operated the DC-4 aircraft. His extensive experience made him a credible witness when he reported an unusual aerial encounter during a routine flight from Pura to Lima.
On the evening in question, Sanviti was approximately half an hour away from Pio, passing over the city of Ccho at an altitude of 7,000 feet. The incident began around 6:00 PM when he first noticed a luminous, cone-shaped object flying alongside his aircraft. The object maintained the same speed, altitude, and direction as the plane, essentially keeping pace with it.
When Sanviti observed the object's remarkable movements and speed, he decided to alert both his crew and passengers to the unusual sight. He used the aircraft's loudspeaker system to direct everyone's attention to the windows. During the encounter, the plane experienced communication failures and dimming cabin lights.
Key Observations by Captain Sanviti:
Object was approximately 8 miles from the aircraft initially
Estimated diameter of 230 feet at its broad top
Displayed a funnel-shaped bottom
Emitted various colored lights (blue, red, orange)
Demonstrated extraordinary maneuverability and speed
Sanviti attempted several times to contact Lima's control tower but found the radio inoperative during the object's presence. When the object initially departed, radio functions and lighting immediately returned to normal. Upon reestablishing contact with Lima tower, Sanviti requested photographers and camera operators be ready at the airport—a request he later speculated might have triggered the objects' final departure.
The captain theorized that his radio transmission to the control tower may have been intercepted by the objects, causing them to depart rapidly. This hypothesis emerged after he observed that the radio remained functional during the second appearance of the objects.
Following the incident, Sanviti safely landed the aircraft at Lima airport, where passengers—though shaken—corroborated his account of the extraordinary aerial encounter.
Flight Details and Initial Sighting
On May 30, 1977, while piloting a DC-4 aircraft from Pura to Lima, Captain Oswaldo Sanviti spotted an unusual luminous object approximately 8 miles from the plane. The experienced 40-year-old pilot, with over 22,000 flying hours, was about 30 minutes away from Pura at an altitude of 7,000 feet when he first noticed the strange craft. The flight, operated by the now-defunct Peruvian airline Faucet, carried 52 passengers and 6 crew members.
Captain Sanviti made an unexpected announcement over the loudspeaker: "Everybody look out the windows to our right. There's a strange object there, and it's watching us. It's a UFO." Passengers and crew members rushed to the windows, where they observed a bright cone-shaped object traveling alongside their aircraft.
The mysterious craft displayed several remarkable characteristics:
Shape: Described as an upside-down cone or spinning top
Size: Estimated diameter of 230 feet at its broadest section
Colors: Emitted bright blue, red, orange, and white lights that changed during different maneuvers
Movement: Performed rapid vertical ascents and descents while maintaining pace with the aircraft
Shortly after the sighting began, the aircraft experienced electrical interference. The cabin lights dimmed significantly, and all radio communications failed. For approximately one hour, the object maintained proximity to the plane, occasionally approaching very close and passing directly overhead.
Passenger accounts corroborate the pilot's observations. Elmer Nunez, managing editor of a Peruvian newspaper, described watching the object from both sides of the aircraft as it maneuvered around them. He noted that while some passengers grew fearful—with certain women becoming nearly hysterical—the children aboard seemed to find the experience exciting.
The object eventually departed with an extraordinary burst of speed. Immediately after, the aircraft's electrical systems returned to normal operation. Radio communication was restored, allowing Captain Sanviti to contact Lima Control Tower. During this transmission, the object surprisingly returned with a second identical craft. Both UFOs briefly hovered near the plane before vanishing again at what witnesses described as supersonic speed.
UFO Maneuverability and Appearance
During a routine flight from Pura to Lima, Peru, our aircraft encountered an extraordinary aerial phenomenon. About half an hour after departing from Pio, while passing over the city of Ccho at an altitude of 7,000 feet, a luminous object appeared alongside the plane. The object maintained the same speed and altitude as our aircraft, positioned approximately 8 miles away.
The craft displayed remarkable flight capabilities that defied conventional aviation physics. It performed rapid vertical movements, shooting upward and descending with incredible speed while maintaining its position relative to our aircraft. The UFO demonstrated the ability to change directions instantly, moving from one side of our plane to the other by passing directly overhead.
Physical Characteristics:
Shape: Inverted cone or spinning top
Estimated diameter: 230 feet at its broadest point
Distinctive funnel-shaped bottom
Emitted bright, multicolored lights
Light Patterns:
Position Colors Observed Top section Blue (changing to red during movement) Underside Red (changing to orange during movement) During parallel flight White lights During ascent/descent Blue, red, and orange
The object's presence coincided with electromagnetic interference aboard our aircraft. The cabin lights dimmed significantly, and all radio communications failed while the object remained in close proximity. When the UFO temporarily departed, all systems immediately returned to normal operation.
Most remarkably, after a brief disappearance, the object returned with a second identical craft. Both UFOs hovered near our aircraft momentarily before departing with a burst of speed that far exceeded any known aircraft capabilities.
The encounter lasted approximately one hour, during which 52 passengers and 6 crew members witnessed the phenomenon. Reactions varied dramatically, with some passengers experiencing fear and anxiety while others, particularly children, found the encounter fascinating. Several witnesses who previously dismissed the possibility of UFOs acknowledged this experience fundamentally changed their perspective.
The craft's maneuverability, speed, and appearance defied explanation by conventional aircraft standards. Its ability to maintain position relative to our aircraft while performing complex aerial maneuvers suggested an advanced propulsion system beyond current technological understanding.
Witness Accounts from Passengers
The encounter began about 30 minutes out from Pio when Captain Oswaldo Sanviti, a 40-year-old veteran pilot with over 22,000 flying hours, made an unusual announcement over the loudspeaker. "Everybody look out the windows to our right. There's a strange object there watching us. It's a UFO," he told the 52 passengers and 6 crew members aboard the DC-4 aircraft.
Passengers rushed to the windows and observed a luminous cone-shaped craft traveling alongside their plane. Shortly after the sighting began, the aircraft's communication systems failed and cabin lights dimmed significantly.
Elmer Nunez, managing editor of a Peruvian newspaper, recounted the experience: "We were passing over Chaya when the pilot alerted us. My seat was on the right side, and when I looked out, I saw a very luminous object. It was 6:30 p.m., and the object attracted everyone with its bright light and dizzying speed."
The unknown craft displayed remarkable maneuverability during its hour-long appearance:
Moved up and down with incredible velocity
Passed directly over the aircraft multiple times
Emitted various colored lights (red, orange, blue, and white)
Maintained pace with the aircraft at times
Changed color patterns during different movements
Several passengers noted the object's distinctive appearance. Captain Sanviti estimated its diameter at approximately 230 feet across its top. The craft featured a funnel-shaped bottom and displayed color changes when changing position - blue lights at the top would shift to red, while red lights on the underside would transform to orange.
George Santa Maria Calderone, Dean of Engineering at Lima University, provided his professional assessment: "I never believed in UFOs until this happened. As an engineer, I can confirm this object's speed, size, shape, and flight capabilities are unknown anywhere in the world. Its smoothness, maneuverability, and speed were almost beyond belief."
The emotional impact varied significantly among passengers. According to Nunez, "Many passengers were quite frightened, and some women were near hysteria. One woman burst into tears, though another passenger managed to calm her down. Interestingly, the children aboard seemed to enjoy the spectacle greatly."
After approximately an hour, the object vanished with an incredible burst of speed. The aircraft's electrical systems immediately returned to normal operation. When Captain Sanviti established radio contact with Lima control tower, the craft suddenly reappeared with a second identical object. Both hovered briefly before disappearing again at supersonic speed.
Upon landing, passengers unanimously agreed on the details of the encounter. Calderone emphasized, "All the passengers saw the same things I did." For at least two passengers who had never previously believed in UFOs, the experience proved transformative. Nunez admitted, "I had always heard of UFOs but never put stock in them until this occurred. Now I'm convinced. The whole thing scared me."
Final Minutes of the UFO Encounter
The remarkable aerial encounter began approximately 30 minutes after departing Pura, as the DC-4 aircraft passed over Ccho. Captain Oswaldo Sanviti, a 40-year-old veteran pilot with over 22,000 flight hours, noticed a luminous object about 8 miles from the plane.
The object maintained the same speed, altitude, and direction as the aircraft. Captain Sanviti immediately alerted his crew and instructed passengers to observe the phenomenon through the right-side windows. The UFO exhibited extraordinary maneuvers while maintaining its parallel course.
Physical Characteristics:
Cone or top-shaped appearance
Estimated 230 feet in diameter at its widest point
Funnel-shaped bottom
Emitted multiple colors (blue, red, orange, white)
Brilliant luminosity visible against the darkening sky
During the encounter, several aircraft systems were affected. The cabin lights dimmed significantly, and all radio communications failed completely. For approximately one hour, the object performed incredible aerial maneuvers around the aircraft. It moved vertically with tremendous speed and passed directly over the plane multiple times.
Many passengers reported feeling frightened during the extended encounter. According to newspaper editor Elmer Nunz, some women were near hysteria, with one bursting into tears before being calmed by fellow passengers. Interestingly, children aboard seemed to find the experience exciting rather than frightening.
At one point, the object disappeared with astonishing speed. The aircraft's electrical systems immediately returned to normal operation, and radio communications were restored. Captain Sanviti quickly contacted Lima control tower to report the incident.
While communicating with ground control and requesting cameras to document the phenomenon, the object suddenly reappeared alongside a second identical craft. Both UFOs briefly hovered near the plane before vanishing with what witnesses described as "supersonic speed."
University Dean George Santa Maria Calderone, an engineering expert aboard the flight, provided this assessment: "The object's smoothness, maneuverability, and speed were almost beyond belief. Its shape and flight characteristics are unknown in any aircraft technology worldwide."
After landing safely in Lima, the 52 passengers and 6 crew members collectively confirmed the details of this extraordinary aerial encounter.
Impact on Witnesses
The encounter left a profound mark on the 52 passengers and 6 crew members aboard the DC-4 flight. Many experienced intense fear during the hour-long interaction with the luminous cone-shaped object. Some women reportedly approached hysteria, with at least one passenger bursting into tears before being calmed by fellow travelers.
Children on the flight responded quite differently to the UFO. Unlike the adults who felt fear and anxiety, the younger passengers found the experience exciting and enjoyable. As newspaper editor Elmer Nunz noted, "It was just great fun to them."
The event fundamentally changed the beliefs of several witnesses. George Santa Maria Calderone, dean of Lima University's School of Engineering, admitted, "I never believed in UFOs for a moment until this happened." His professional background made the encounter even more significant, as he emphasized that the object's "speed, size, shape, and method of flying are not known anywhere in the world."
Elmer Nunz experienced a similar transformation. "I had always heard of UFOs but I never put stock in them until this occurred," he confessed after the flight. The experience left him thoroughly convinced and frightened by what he had witnessed.
Many passengers expressed regret at not having cameras to document the encounter. Nunz specifically mentioned being "very put out" by forgetting his camera, which he typically carried. This shared frustration highlighted their desire to prove what they had collectively witnessed.
Captain Oswaldo Sanviti, despite his 22,000 hours of flying experience, appeared genuinely puzzled by the craft's capabilities. The veteran pilot's detailed observations and attempts to alert ground control demonstrated his professional approach to the unusual situation while maintaining his responsibilities to the passengers.
