AIR INTELLIGENCE INFORMATION REPORT: Unidentified Flying Objects (Short Title: FLYOBRPT)

On August 2, 1952, at 0420 Pacific Daylight Time, a Ground Observer Corps (GOC) post in Chico, California, reported an unidentified aerial phenomenon. The witness, Mr. Robert C. Kavaman, observed a single object for approximately four minutes. He described the object as a glowing, bright light that became very brilliant. The object was initially seen to the east of the observer, moving slowly. It traveled to the north, then reversed direction to travel south for approximately two miles, before returning to a northerly heading. The altitude was estimated to be very low, and no audible sounds were reported. Meteorological data for the time indicated winds at 10,000 feet were 140 degrees at 7 knots, and at 20,000 feet were 170 degrees at 21 knots. Visibility was reported as unlimited. The report was prepared by 2d Lt. James W. Westbreek of the 28th Air Division at Hamilton AFB, who concluded that the description provided by the observer suggested the object was likely a weather balloon. This assessment was concurred with by Captain Orville E. Bixel, the Director of Intelligence. The report was distributed to the Air Technical Intelligence Center at Wright-Patterson AFB.