CAM - plane on rt95 on Google Earth - help explain?

[Breadfan]

CAM (and anyone else...),

Last week I was putting a route together for my trip this week. I of course got caught up playing the flight simulator on the new 4.3 version, and was "flying" down Rt 95 when I came across a small plane on the roadway.

So, basically, on the Rt. 95 Northbound lanes just south of Opitz Blvd., there is a small plane on the road. It may be airborn, and very low, but it's hard to tell.

I net searched and couldn't find anything about it.

The image appears to be from May 2002 if that is accurate from G. Earth.

Some notes:

- Hard to tell if there is a shadow for it....

- it appears to be proportional for a small cessna-type plane to the raodway size and vehicles


So...is it real, what is that all about?

I created a .kmz placemark file, if you d/l this and open it, it will open your Google Earth to the plane on 95.

http://www.ionicflux.com/asdf/plane-rt95.kmz

[ImpalaSlayer]

make a screen shot if you know how. id like to see but the link wont open on my comp

[Blk Mamba]

mine either.

[Breadfan]

Hmmm, not sure why it doesn't work. It opens on mine, for what it's worth, I have Google Earth (the app not the Google maps webpage) v4.3.

Anyway, here's some pics: Click them for a larger version

http://www.ionicflux.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_plane1.jpg (http://www.ionicflux.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/plane1.jpg)

http://www.ionicflux.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/normal_plane2.jpg (http://www.ionicflux.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10002/plane2.jpg)

[blackhueys]

it is a goverment coverup quick get your tinfoil hats! lol

[Cheeseheadbob]

Very low flying traffic plane or a plane on final approach. There is no shadow on the road, so the plane is not on the ground. Probably freaked some folks out on their leisurely drive down I-95!

[ImpalaSlayer]

is there even an airport there?thats more then low

[TiTo35]

Yea I see no shadow...It looks low...but the vehicle behind it has a shadow...

[Blk Mamba]

The (car, truck) under it has a shadow.

[CRUZTAKER]

Definately still in flight and high enough that no shadow is seen across the left of the road way.

Being this image was taken from a satellite directly above, it would be easy to mistake the position of the aircraft. I also have no idea what type of depth of field the lens has on the camera taking the image. The camera lens does not work like the human eye. This definately could cause things to appear closer than they really are.

[Donald]

Google is finding a lot of things. :-)

http://www.neatorama.com/2008/08/10/google-street-view-catches-house-on-fire/

http://gizmodo.com/5036133/google-streetview-sees-man-passed-out-drunk-on-mothers-lawn

[Breadfan]

Definately still in flight and high enough that no shadow is seen across the left of the road way.

Being this image was taken from a satellite directly above, it would be easy to mistake the position of the aircraft. I also have no idea what type of depth of field the lens has on the camera taking the image. The camera lens does not work like the human eye. This definately could cause things to appear closer than they really are.

That's kinda what my thought was. Plus there was nothing on the 'net about it, and had a small plane landed on 95, it woulda been big news.

The closest airports I know of are Quanitco marine base which probably has a strip (but not public I'm sure) maybe about 5-10 miles away, Manassas regional about 20 miles or so, and Stafford which is probably 20-30.

But yeah I bet it could be about 1,000-2,000 feet up

[Bluerauder]

Very low flying traffic plane or a plane on final approach. There is no shadow on the road, so the plane is not on the ground.
I agree. The plane is probably at an altitude between 500-1,000 feet. Compare the scale of the plane (and clarity of the image) to the same for the traffic below on the highway. It is probably a private plane out of the Manassas Airport ... I see them at that altitude all the time and I live about 3 miles from that location.

Based on the shadows from the cars/van on the road, that photo was taken very early in the morning -- probably before 9 AM with the sun low and almost due southeast. If the plane was at 500 feet, you may be able to find the shadow about 1/4 mile away (~1000-1500 feet based on shadow lengths) to the west and slightly north. Direction of the shadow is indicated by the shadows of the light poles in the median of the road.

[Bigdogjim]

Look like it's just above the highway:)

Shot from above any could happen:)

[oldekid]

Ummm. I do see a shadow, but it looks like a pickup truck. It certainly doesn't match the plane.

[whd507]

there is some kind of shadow over telegraph rd in the correct direction.

[N40GL]

But you can't see everything...

http://www.itsecurity.com/features/51-things-not-on-google-maps-071508/

But maybe you don't want to...

http://discovermagazine.com/2008/aug/21-can-you-spot-the-chinese-nuclear-sub

[SID210SA]

Spoke to a buddy pilot of mine....the plane should be at a minimum of 1100 feet off the ground in a congested area as there is no airfield anywhere near there....a minimum of 500 feet if in non congested areas...but it is definately off the ground as there is no shadow of the plane and no traffic stacked behind the plane on the highway.

[Breadfan]

But you can't see everything...

http://www.itsecurity.com/features/51-things-not-on-google-maps-071508/

But maybe you don't want to...

http://discovermagazine.com/2008/aug/21-can-you-spot-the-chinese-nuclear-sub


National security reasons are also why there is no street view for Wash. DC area. Google actually has the images they just are not posting them.

[Bluerauder]

.... and no traffic stacked behind the plane on the highway.
Must be Christmas morning .... that is the only day around here with no traffic stacked up. :rofl:

[Breadfan]

Must be Christmas morning .... that is the only day around here with no traffic stacked up. :rofl:

You know that may be true, it's hard to find that road with that few cars in either direction at ANY time of daylight. Even if one side is empty the otherside usually has more cars.