Air Intelligence Information Report: Unidentified Flying Object near Westover AFB, Massachusetts

This Air Intelligence Information Report, dated December 21, 1950, documents a sighting of an unidentified flying object that occurred on the morning of December 6, 1950, in the vicinity of Westover Air Force Base, Massachusetts. The report was prepared by Captain A. G. Love of the Intelligence Division, Hq MATS, and is based on an interrogation conducted by Captain Lloyd A. Olsen. The witness, an aircraft mechanic and member of the Air National Guard with World War II experience, reported observing a half-moon-shaped object with a silvery outline and a shadow line above it. The object was sighted at an estimated altitude of 10,000 to 20,000 feet and appeared to be moving in a southerly direction. The witness described the object's speed as far exceeding that of known aircraft and noted that it appeared to accelerate before disappearing suddenly. A distinct sound was reported, described as a continuous whistle resembling wind blowing over wires or objects of slight resistance, with some similarity to jet propulsion. The witness was adamant that the sound was distinct from any conventional or jet aircraft he was familiar with. The report notes that the witness appeared sincere but was nervous during the interrogation, expressing a desire to avoid publicity and a fear of being associated with the 'flying disc' theory. The interrogator, Captain Olsen, suggested that the noise might have been caused by a commercial vehicle or apparatus in the vicinity, and that the visual sighting might have been a false vision caused by the bright sun or reflections. He also noted that while the witness estimated the duration of the sighting at 30 seconds, he believed the actual time was likely closer to 5 to 10 seconds. Radar confirmation was not possible as the Westover Approach Control Radar was inoperative at the time, and the sighting location was beyond the range of the base's GCA scopes. The report includes a sketch of the object, which shows a half-moon shape with a designated 'shadowed area' and 'area of reflection.' The document concludes that the information provided was insufficient to determine the nature of the object.