ASRS 2278936
ACN 2278936 · 2025-08 · Small Aircraft
General aviation pilot reported an NMAC with what they believed to be a kite or UAS. No evasive action was taken.
Pilot narrative
Verbatim, de-identified by NASA. Placeholders: ZZZ,
X, Y.
I was in cruise phase level at 4,000' direct CHA out of ZZZ. Heading 080. On IFR flight plan (round robin: ZZZ to CHA back to ZZZ). I was doing an engine break-in (only had about 9 hours SMOH) so my head was down in the cockpit more than normal. I was approximately within 5nm of Stevenson (7A6) when I looked up and directly ahead was what looked like twin black diamonds, joined together, heading directly towards me. Before I had time to react, it was past me - went directly overhead at about 200' above. I saw it only for about 2-3 seconds, did not even have time to disconnect the autopilot or engage in evasive maneuvers. The object appeared to be about 4-6 feet long and looked like a drone or possibly a box kite. Impossible to ascertain the object's speed or heading. There was nothing on my ADS-B In.
NASA classification · Anomalies
- Conflict
NASA classification · Assessments
- Contributing Factors / Situations
- Environment - Non Weather Related · Human Factors
- Primary Problem
- Ambiguous
ASRS reports are voluntary, de-identified by NASA, and represent the reporter's perspective; they are not investigated and cannot be used to infer prevalence. Authoritative source: asrs.arc.nasa.gov ↗