Capt Patterson's answers to written questions

1. Position of own a/c.
   5NM north-west of Sark
2. Speed of own a/c.
   Approx. 230 KTS indicated
   
3. Heading of own a/c.
   ~ 170 degrees
   
4. Altitude of own a/c, and whether in level flight/ascending/descending.
   Altitude 3,500' descending
   
5. Time of sighting.
   1415Z
   
6. Apparent relative altitude of sighted phenomenon.
   Estimated 2,000' below
   
7. Duration and nature of observation (ie, was it a couple of snatched glances over his shoulder, or something more substantial?).
   I looked several times, total duration about one minute
   
8. Any apparent motion of observed phenomenon.
   No apparent motion
   
9. Description of phenomenon - regular/irregular form, variations in shading, colour, single or multiple phenomenon/a, alignment if multiple, impression of depth.
   Possibly oblong/oval, yellow/beige colour, little definition due to haze, little depth
   
10. Knowledge of other witnesses other than those in Bowyer's company.
    FO aware of ATC request but unable to view due to position in cockpit
    
11. Recollection of weather conditions.
    Hazy but smooth, no significant weather.
    
12. Was the horizon clearly discernable despite any haze/cloud?
    No
    
13. If so, what was the elevation of the phenomenon in relation to the horizon (i.e. how far above or below, in angular measure and/or in terms of some distance at arm's length)
    [n/a]
    
14. Was the island of Alderney clearly visible in the haze?
    Just visible in outline
    
15. Where was the object in relation to Alderney (i.e., angular measure or distance at arm's length)
    ~ 2NM west of Alderney by appearance
    
16. What was the apparent size of the object, i.e. length compared to Alderney and/or angular measure or width at arm's length?
    ~1/2 NM max
    
17. Was the object a) sharply-defined in outline, b) like a well-defined cloud, c) like a fuzzy cloud, d) just a hazy patch?
    Hazy patch
    
18. To what other familiar object or phenomenon would he most nearly compare it?
    [no answer]
    
19. To what familiar object or surface would you compare the "yellow- beige" colouration?
    About the same as a yellow Aurigny Trislander would look in the same position and distance although object seemed larger
    
20. During the sighting did the object maintain the same position, or change position, in relation to a) the horizon and b)Alderney?
    No change in position relative to either but ultimately lost from view
    
21. Could you see the island of Burhou at the time?
    Yes
    
22. Do you have any suggestion as to why the object was not visible when he was passing Guernsey at about FL70 - 65 when first asked to look, saying you could see "nothing in that position at all, I can't see anything" at 1413:13, but was visible a couple of minutes later when down to about FL40?
    No explanation
    
23. Would you describe the brightness and colouration of the object as due to reflected light or emitted light?
    Reflected
    
24. Can you compare the colour, brightness and shape of the object with that of any other familiar object or effect seen that day or during a typical flight?
    Only a yellow Aurigny Trislander seen through haze although size would of course not match
    
25. Do you have any opinion or ideas as to the most likely origin/source of the phenomenon you observed that day?
    Atmospheric