Report of Investigation: Unknown Aerial Phenomena, 5 March 1950, Vaughn, New Mexico

This report details an investigation into an unidentified aerial phenomenon observed on 5 March 1950, near Vaughn, New Mexico. The primary witness was Major William J. Haynor, the Air Provost Marshal at Holloman Air Force Base, who was accompanied by five other individuals, including professional photographers from the Holloman AFB Photo Section. The sighting began at 1135 hours and lasted for approximately one hour and 25 minutes, concluding at 1300 hours when the object became too small to observe. The object was described as a round, brilliant white light, similar in appearance to a ping pong ball held at arm's length. It maintained a steady, non-erratic flight path in a straight line, traveling at an estimated speed of 180 to 200 miles per hour. The witnesses noted that there was no sound, no visible exhaust, no visible supports, and no visible air ducts. The weather conditions were clear with no clouds. The object was captured on movie film by the professional photographers present. The investigation was conducted by Special Agent Robert R. Johns of the 17th District Office of Special Investigations in compliance with AFCSI Letter No. 85. Despite inquiries, the Electronics & Atmospheric Branch and the Weather Detachment at Holloman AFB could provide no logical explanation for the sighting. The original film was retained at the Base Photo Lab at Holloman AFB, with the negative included as an enclosure to the report. The case was officially closed by the 17th District Office of Special Investigations.