Reuters - Sat Oct 21, 1:42 PM PST

Several users of Google’s popular Google Earth service came across something unusual today while scanning the San Jose, California area. The system temporarily displayed what appears to be some type of flying craft being constructed in a homeowner’s driveway. Reports of the discovery were brought to the attention of Google, who then contacted FAA authorities out of concern for the nearby San Jose International Airport. FAA officials visited the residence of a Scott Rossi, only to find it unoccupied, and without evidence of any construction. When questioned, a neighbor claimed to have photographed the construction and supplied an image to local authorities, but authenticity of the photo could not be verified.

Working with local law enforcement, search warrants were obtained by the FAA and Mr. Rossi’s laptop computer was confiscated for investigation. No unusual files were found, except for one document which bears a slight resemblance to the photo claimed to have been taken by the neighbor.

When asked to explain the document and construction sightings on his property, Mr. Rossi would neither confirm nor deny accusations of constructing any type of craft in the vicinity of an international airport. The Department of Homeland Security has since placed Mr. Rossi’s residence under part time surveillance, and interestingly, images previously visible on Google’s service have since disappeared.

REUTERS/Walter Haut (UNITED STATES)