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Declassified UFO / UAP Document

Project 10073 Record Card and Air Intelligence Information Report — 12 March 1952, Columbus, Ohio

📅 12 March 1952 📍 Columbus, Ohio 🏛 ATIC 📄 Air Intelligence Information Report
ColumbusOhioB-45Lockbourne Air Force BaseProject 10073vapor trail

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AI-Generated Summary

TL;DR

A sighting of an unidentified aerial object in Columbus, Ohio, on 12 March 1952 was investigated and officially identified as a North American B-45 aircraft. The visual characteristics were attributed to the setting sun reflecting off the aircraft's vapor trail.

This document consists of an Air Intelligence Information Report and a Project 10073 record card regarding a sighting on 12 March 1952 in Columbus, Ohio. The incident was initially reported by Harry Franken of the Columbus Citizen newspaper. Witnesses described a long, shiny, wingless object traveling north with a pinkish-red flame at the rear. Following an investigation by Lt. J. K. Rothstein, the object was identified as a North American B-45 aircraft from Lockbourne Air Force Base. An employee at North American Aviation, who was contacted during the investigation, stated that he recognized the object as a B-45 flying at an altitude of approximately 28,000 to 30,000 feet. He explained that the unusual appearance, including the orange or reddish color, was due to the setting sun striking the aircraft's vapor trail. Several other witnesses, including military personnel from the 91st Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron, corroborated this account. The report concludes that the sighting was an identified aircraft.

The object was described as being a long shiny and wingless object, tapering from nose to tail with a pinkish red flame from the rear.

Official Assessment

Object was identified as a B-45 aircraft.

The object was identified by an observer at North American Aviation as a North American B-45 aircraft from Lockbourne AFB, with the visual appearance caused by the setting sun striking the vapor trail.

Witnesses

  • Harry FrankenReporterColumbus Citizen newspaper
  • [illegible]Cpl.Strategic Recon. Squadron, Lockbourne Air Force Base
  • [illegible]Capt.91st Strategic Recon. Sqd. Lockbourne Air Force Base

Key Persons

Organizations

Military Units