Project 10073 Record Card and Air Intelligence Information Report — 27 September 1952

On 27 September 1952, at approximately 0905 hours, a T-33 jet aircraft piloted by 1/Lt. James E. Fahmauer and carrying a cadet student encountered an unidentified aerial object over Hempstead, Texas. The flight was part of a four-plane formation at an altitude of 39,000 feet. Lieutenant Fahmauer observed a white, circular object that appeared to be matte white, as if painted, rather than metallic. The object was estimated to be 15,000 to 25,000 feet above the aircraft. The witnesses reported that the object traveled in a straight line before moving erratically at speeds estimated between 600 and 700 miles per hour. The object was observed for two to three minutes and was seen to bank nearly vertical at one point. No conventional vapor trails were observed, although a faint misty area was noted to the rear of the object. Both witnesses were experienced in aviation, with Lieutenant Fahmauer having 1,400 hours of flight time. The reporting officer, 2/Lt. Richard L. Faust, assessed the witnesses as reliable and not prone to exaggeration. The official evaluation of the sighting suggested that the object was likely a pibal (pilot balloon) or a 'Skyhook' type research balloon, noting that if the object's altitude was lower than the observers' initial estimate, it would explain the perceived erratic behavior.