Report of Investigation: Aerial Phenomenon, Hansville, Washington, 28 Aug 49

This report details an investigation into a sighting of three unidentified aerial objects near Hansville, Washington, on August 28, 1949. The investigation was initiated by the Office of Special Investigations (OSI) at McChord Air Force Base following a news report in the Tacoma News Tribune. Four witnesses, including two couples, observed the objects between 1800 and 1830 hours. The witnesses described the objects as flat, metallic, and approximately 25 to 30 feet in diameter, appearing to be made of aluminum or stainless steel. They reported that the objects had no visible projections, moving parts, or exhaust, and made no sound. The objects were observed for approximately one and one-half to two minutes at an estimated altitude of 10,000 feet, moving in a southerly direction. The witnesses were interviewed by investigators on September 20 and October 3, 1949, and were deemed reliable and trustworthy. Weather data provided by M/Sgt Edward O. Smith of the 10th Weather Squadron indicated clear skies with high visibility at the time of the incident. The investigation determined that a large weather balloon had been released by the Sand Point Weather Station in Seattle between 1800 and 1900 hours on the same day. No other scheduled flights or testing devices were reported in the area during the time of the sighting. Consequently, the official conclusion of the investigation was that the objects were a balloon.