Declassified UFO / UAP Document
Report of Investigation: Unknown (Aerial Phenomena) - Kirtland AFB, January 1949
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AI-Generated Summary
This report details investigations into unexplained aerial sightings and anomalous sound phenomena near Los Alamos and Kirtland AFB in late 1948 and early 1949. Despite expert analysis by Dr. Lincoln La Paz and military security, the phenomena remained unidentified and unexplained.
This document is a comprehensive Report of Investigation from the Office of Special Investigations, 17th District, dated 19 January 1949, concerning unidentified aerial phenomena and unexplained sound phenomena observed in the vicinity of Kirtland Air Force Base and Los Alamos, New Mexico. The report consolidates multiple sightings and incidents occurring between December 1948 and January 1949.
Key incidents include a 5 December 1948 sighting of a green 'meteorite' by a student at the University of New Mexico, and a 6 January 1949 sighting of a brilliant green incandescent light by Inspector Earl Willis at Kirtland AFB. Additionally, Pfc Meredith J. Everitt reported a diamond-shaped, bright white object traveling at high speed on 6 January 1949.
A significant portion of the report is dedicated to the investigation of 'anomalous sounds' heard at Los Alamos on 30 December 1948. These sounds, described as resembling heavy wagons or aircraft engines, were heard by multiple security personnel at different stations. Dr. Lincoln La Paz, a meteorologist from the University of New Mexico, conducted an extensive analysis of these sound phenomena. His findings, based on transit readings and interviews, concluded that the sounds were not produced by conventional aircraft or ground machinery. He noted that the sounds were unlike any normal aircraft and that the source appeared to be in motion, possibly above the cloud layer.
The report emphasizes that despite thorough investigation, including checks with AACS at Kirtland and Walker Air Force Bases to confirm no aircraft were in the area, no definitive explanation for the sightings or the sounds could be established. The investigation remained pending, with instructions to report new sightings as they occurred. The document includes various enclosures, such as reports from security personnel and correspondence from Dr. La Paz, and references other incidents, including Incident #223. The overall tone is one of official concern regarding unexplained aerial activity near sensitive atomic research facilities, with a clear effort to apply scientific rigor through the involvement of experts like Dr. La Paz.
In his summary of the above interviews Dr. LA PAZ finds that the sounds were unlike normal aircraft sounds, that a Cub could not have operated at the altitude needed to conform with the figures given by the transit readings, that no heavy machinery or tanks had been operating, and two other Inspectors had heard similar sounds on the morning of 31 December at about 0540.
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Official Assessment
No positive information as to the nature or source of these manifestations.
Investigations into anomalous sounds at Los Alamos and sightings of unidentified objects at Kirtland AFB and Los Alamos remain inconclusive. Dr. La Paz ruled out conventional aircraft or tanks, and noted that sounds were unlike normal aircraft.
Witnesses
- Meredith J. EverittPfc8450th M.P. Group
- Earl WillisInspectorAESS
Key Persons
- Lincoln La PazDirector, Institute of Meteoritics, University of New Mexico
- John A. CarrollChief Inspector, AESS, Los Alamos
- Matthew J. DoyleChief, Physical Security Branch, Sandia Base