Project 10073 Record — Bethel, Conn. 10 March 1950

This document is a Project 10073 record concerning a civilian sighting of an unidentified aerial object over Bethel, Connecticut, on March 10, 1950. The witness reported observing a large, jet-black 'Wing-Saucer' object at an altitude of approximately 8,000 feet. According to the report, the object circled the center of Bethel four times before banking left and displaying a brilliant white light on its underside, revealing a revolving disk. The witness claimed the object was visible for three minutes and traveled at a speed of 25 mph before disappearing in a northeasterly direction. The report includes detailed sketches and specifications provided by the witness, such as the dimensions of the wing and the counter-clockwise rotation of the disk. The Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC) evaluated the report and concluded that the object was not a UFO or extraterrestrial in origin. The ATIC analysis suggested that the sighting was likely a helicopter, noting that the sun's reflection off the whirling blades could create a circular visual effect while the fuselage remained obscured. The investigators highlighted that four Navy aircraft were in the area at the time and did not report the object, and that no other residents in Bethel reported seeing anything unusual. The final assessment characterized the report as an exaggeration, potentially from an eccentric individual with an overactive imagination.