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Declassified UFO / UAP Document

AIR INTELLIGENCE INFORMATION REPORT: Unidentified Flying Object - Sea of Japan, Kyushu area

📅 4 March 1952 📍 Sea of Japan 🏛 ATIC 📄 Air Intelligence Information Report
Project 10073Sea of JapanC-54UAP1952Ashiya Air Base

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AI-Generated Summary

TL;DR

A C-54 flight crew reported a bright orange, oval-shaped object moving at high speed over the Sea of Japan on March 4, 1952. The pilot, an experienced aviator, explicitly ruled out the possibility that the object was a conventional jet aircraft.

On March 4, 1952, at approximately 040135I, the pilot and crew of a C-54 aircraft belonging to the 53rd Troop Carrier Squadron (H) observed an unidentified flying object while returning to Ashiya Air Base in Japan. The aircraft was flying over the Sea of Japan at an altitude of 1,500 feet, descending at a rate of 500 feet per minute, when the sighting occurred. The pilot, 1st Lt. E.J. Weed, reported that the object was oval-shaped, estimated to be between 50 and 100 feet in length and 50 feet thick. Both the object and its 50-foot-long trail were described as bright orange. The object was observed for approximately 1.5 to 2 minutes at an estimated distance of 15 miles and an altitude of 10,000 feet. It moved on a horizontal plane at what the pilot described as a 'terrific speed' before gradually fading from sight. The crew, including co-pilot 2d Lt. T.G. Camidge and engineer S/Sgt. T. Dendy, concurred with the account. Lt. Weed emphasized that the object was definitely not a jet aircraft, citing his experience with night-time jet operations and the appearance of afterburners. The report, authored by Captain Ray F. Grodhaus of the 61st Troop Carrier Group (Heavy), notes that the crew was so captivated by the sighting that they nearly neglected their landing procedures. The document is filed under Project 10073.

He and the crew were very impressed with the observation,remarking that they almost forgot to land the aircraft because the object sighted had captured their complete attention.

Official Assessment

The pilot and crew of a C-54 aircraft observed an unidentified oval-shaped object, bright orange in color, moving at high speed over the Sea of Japan. The pilot explicitly stated the object was not a jet aircraft, noting his familiarity with jet operations and afterburners.

Witnesses

  • E.J. Weed1st Lt.53rd Troop Carrier Squadron (H)
  • T.G. Camidge2d Lt.53rd Troop Carrier Squadron (H)
  • T. DendyS/Sgt.53rd Troop Carrier Squadron (H)

Key Persons

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Military Units