#4: Early Sightings of the U-2 Sparked UFO Panic
During the 1950s, commercial pilots flying at normal altitudes suddenly began reporting metallic crafts far above them — objects moving in ways no known aircraft could. These sightings confused the FAA, the Air Force, and the public, unintentionally creating a wave of UFO hysteria across the country.
Behind the scenes, the explanation was simple: they were seeing U-2 test flights. But because the plane’s existence was classified, no officials could admit it. The government allowed the UFO stories to spread, knowing they helped protect one of the most important spy projects of the era.