Project Grudge Special Inquiry: Elko, Nevada Sighting

This document details an investigation into a reported sighting of five amber-colored lights in a V-formation over Elko, Nevada, on the morning of May 29, 1949. The witness, a yard clerk for the Western Pacific Railroad Company, reported observing the lights at approximately 0200 hours, traveling west at an estimated altitude of 1,000 feet and a speed exceeding 500 miles per hour. The witness noted that the lights were steady and that he could hear no sound, nor could he determine if the lights belonged to a single large aircraft or five smaller ones flying in formation. The investigation was initiated following a report forwarded by the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) in Elko. Special Agent Thomas J. Scanlan conducted the investigation, which included reviewing weather bureau records and communication logs from the CAA. The weather records indicated broken clouds at 7,000 feet and visibility of 15 miles. A review of communication files revealed that two aircraft were in the vicinity of Elko during the relevant timeframe: one en route to Sinclair, Wyoming, at 0222 PST, and another en route to New Jersey at 0243 PST. The investigation concluded that these two aircraft were likely responsible for the sighting. The investigating officer noted that the witness's statement was inconsistent and that he could not provide a logical basis for his estimates of speed, distance, or altitude. No other witnesses were found to corroborate the report. The document includes the official report of investigation, copies of the witness's signed statement, and the original telegram forwarded by the CAA.