Project 10073 Record Card — Yokota Air Base, Japan, 1 August 1952

This document is an Air Intelligence Information Report (IB-1-52) regarding a sighting of an unidentified aerial object on 1 August 1952. The incident occurred at approximately 0710 Zebra, 15 miles east of Yokota Air Base, Japan. The witnesses were two pilots, Captain Laurence Leach and Captain Holly, flying a C-47 aircraft at an altitude of 5,500 feet. The pilots reported observing a round, blue-white object with a trail, traveling at a 'terrific rate of speed' in horizontal flight at an estimated altitude of 7,000 feet. The object remained in sight for approximately two seconds before disappearing. Captain Leach noted that the cockpit lit up during the sighting, though no unusual sound was heard. The weather was described as clear and stable. The report includes a sworn statement from Captain Leach, who confirmed that he and his co-pilot were of the opinion that the object was not another aircraft, but possibly a comet. The co-pilot's view was partially obstructed by the aircraft structure. An investigation by the 6161st Air Base Group included a check of local Japanese observatories, which yielded no reports of meteorological activity or other sightings in the Yokota area during this period. The report concludes that there was no physical evidence, such as photographs or fragments, and no other air traffic in the area at the time. The document was originally classified as unclassified and includes a declassification note indicating it was to be downgraded at three-year intervals and declassified after 12 years, effective 15 May 1968.