Unidentified Celestial Phenomenon — FLYOBRPT

On the evening of May 20, 1952, at approximately 2210 CST, two U.S. Air Force officers, Captain J. E. Spurgin and Captain B. W. Stephan, along with Mrs. B. W. Stephan, observed an unidentified aerial object while conducting sextant practice on the lawn of a private residence at 7416 Starnick Drive in Houston, Texas. The witnesses, both rated pilots assigned to the 3609th Navigator Training Squadron at Ellington Air Force Base, were searching the skies for star constellations when they noticed a very bright orange-white light. The object approached them from an elevation of 45 degrees at a 360-degree bearing. It traveled for approximately 90 seconds, exhibiting erratic side-to-side movements while maintaining a generally straight course, before turning and moving away on a 300-degree bearing until it was no longer visible. The observers reported that no sound was heard, and no exhaust or vapor trail was observed. The weather was clear with light surface winds and temperatures between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The report, filed by Captain John E. Clark of the 3605th Navigator Training Wing, notes that the witnesses were experienced aviators and their account was considered competent. No intercept action was taken, and no physical evidence or photographs were obtained. The incident was formally documented as an unidentified celestial phenomenon under Project 10073, with the final conclusion listed as 'Unknown'.