Incident #308 Sighting Report — Elko, Nevada, 2 May 1949

This report details an investigation into a sighting of three unidentified aerial objects near Elko, Nevada, on 2 May 1949. The witness, an Airplane Communicator for the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA), reported observing three circular, dull-white objects flying in an inverted 'V' formation at approximately 10:15 PST. The witness, who was working on his car at his residence on Carlin Court, estimated the objects were flying at an altitude of 14,000 feet, approximately five miles from town, and traveling at a speed of 250 to 300 miles per hour. He noted that the objects appeared to be made of metal resembling oxidized aluminum and lacked any visible exhaust, vapor trails, or projections. After observing them for approximately two minutes, the witness retrieved binoculars, but before he could use them, the objects veered to the left, tilted at an angle, and disappeared from sight. The investigation, conducted by Special Agent Thomas J. Scanlan of the 19th OSI District, included interviews with the witness and checks with local law enforcement and the National Guard. The witness was found to be truthful, reliable, and of above-average intelligence, with no derogatory information found in his background. A review of communication files confirmed that several aircraft were in the vicinity at the time, but none reported unusual activity. The investigation concluded that there were no active Air Force, Army, or Navy installations, proving grounds, or research facilities in the area, other than a National Guard Anti-Aircraft Company that possessed no targets or equipment. The official conclusion listed in the report is 'AIRCRAFT', though the specific nature of the objects remains unidentified within the narrative. The report includes the witness's signed statement and detailed weather conditions for the day of the sighting.