Project 10073 Record Card and Air Intelligence Information Report — Lathrop Wells, Nevada, 26 August 1952

This document is an Air Intelligence Information Report (TAC IR-44-52) detailing a UFO sighting by Captain Paul Pobiczek of the 131st Fighter Bomber Wing on 26 August 1952. At approximately 0010 PST, while driving near Lathrop Wells, Nevada, Captain Pobiczek observed a spherical object that appeared as a small oval mass of lights. The object approached from the southeast at a speed estimated to be in excess of 1,000 miles per hour. Upon reaching a point estimated to be within one to three miles of the observer, the object halted momentarily, executed a 90 to 120-degree turn, and began a gentle climb with sudden acceleration before disappearing. The object was described as having a brilliant illumination and a V-shaped contrail, with the upper half of the trail exhibiting a bluish tinge and crystal-like characteristics, while the lower half was a white light. The observer, who was wearing night-driving glasses, noted that the object had a definite edge and that there was no noise associated with the phenomenon. The duration of the sighting was estimated at three to five seconds. The report emphasizes that the observer was a rated USAF pilot with 12 years of experience, which the investigating officer, Major L.A. Silverman, cited as a factor in ruling out optical illusions. The weather was clear with 15 miles of visibility. No physical or photographic evidence was obtained, and no radar contact was made. The report notes that the location of the sighting fell within a 130-mile radius of previous similar sightings, one of which was reported to the same office on 12 May 1952. The document includes a map sketch of the incident location and the object's apparent path.