SIGHTING: DALLAS CENTER, IOWA (UNITED STATES)

Witness Testimony

"Shortly after 9pm on 21OCT14 I was in my back yard (in Dallas Center, IA -- about 15 miles NW of West Des Moines) walking our dog and was staring up at the stars. We have large trees that are behind and to my left as I was facing north. The neighbors have large trees to West and NW and my 2nd floor of my house blocks lower view of the east but I have unobstructed views to the north and straight up.I soon noticed a very bright light that was straight north and slightly left. It was moving from the NW to the SE at a quick pace so I originally thought it was a life flight helicopter that left it's spotlight on but then I noticed there were no navigation lights blinking or otherwise. I could not hear it so am guessing it was higher up and several miles to my north. As I was watching it I noticed a smaller airplane (approx. twin engine - 2,000 to 5,000 feet up) coming from the Des Moines area and it was moving straight at the light (NW) - not sure if they were at the same elevation or not. I was focused on the bright light moving and before the small plane could get into my main vision, the light began reducing in size and curving easterly and almost northeast. But I think it gave that directional appearance because it was ascending (appeared to be) quickly. Within a few seconds of beginning the "curve" east/northeast it had reduced to nothing and blended in with the stars. Once it began the change in direction, the new path resembled a y=x(squared) curve.Also - I am former USAF and can readily identify different types of aircraft and this was not a traditional aircraft."