Air Intelligence Information Report: Unidentified Flying Object near Tacoma, Washington

This Air Intelligence Information Report, dated 14 May 1951, documents a sighting of an unidentified flying object that occurred on 12 April 1951, in the vicinity of Point Defiance, Tacoma, Washington. The report, authored by Major Joseph V. Carels of the Intelligence Division, Hq MATS, details the observations of nine witnesses, including military personnel from the 325th Air Base Group and the 635th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron, as well as a civilian instructor. According to the report, the object was observed for approximately two and a half to three minutes under conditions of unlimited ceiling and visibility. The witnesses described the object as cigar-shaped, approximately 200 to 300 feet long, and silver in color. Its flight path began from the southwest, moving toward the northeast, before turning left to the northwest. The object was reported to have flown straight and level for about thirty seconds with its lights slowly dimming, after which it shot straight upwards and disappeared. The witnesses noted that the object produced a vapor trail or stream of light and emitted periodic bursts of light, though it made no sound. While the witnesses attempted to estimate the object's speed and altitude, they lacked a basis for comparison due to the darkness and silence of the event. Major Carels noted that the witnesses were considered completely reliable and that their information was confirmed by other sources. The official conclusion reached in the report was that the object was a 'possible aircraft.' The document was originally classified as Confidential and was subject to a standard three-year interval downgrading schedule.