FBI: Probably Large Model Rocket that Missed Continental Airlines: Are Rocketeers Going Rogue Near Memorial Day?

'Missile' which narrowly missed plane days before Air France disaster 'was probably large model rocket'

Pilots spotted the object at roughly 16,000 feet (4,900 meters). It was about 5 feet (1.5 meters) to 7 feet (2 meters) long.

(...)

Another Continental plane narrowly missed a probable model rocket after leaving the airport last year, also around Memorial Day. That plane was flying about 4,750 feet (1,450 meters).

Must have been patriotic rocketeers that forgot to file with or notify the FAA.....

I'll end with the last comments from the Sheriff's department..

Liberty County Sheriff's Chief Deputy Ken DeFoor said no model rocket clubs reported having launches that day, and that a permit would be needed to launch a rocket that high.