Project 10073 Record Card — Sighting of 19 October 1952

On October 19, 1952, at approximately 0458Z, the crew of an Air Force C-50 aircraft, while en route to Travis Air Force Base from Hickam Air Force Base, observed an unidentified aerial phenomenon over the Pacific Ocean at coordinates 12°17'N 155°35' W. The sighting was reported by the co-pilot, 1st Lt. R. L. Anderson, and the engineer, T/Sgt. C. M. Bankhead, both of the 43rd Air Transport Squadron. The object was described as a bright, circular yellow light with a reddish glow around its exterior. It was estimated to be 100 feet in diameter and was observed for a duration of 20 seconds. The object was traveling at an estimated speed of 300 to 400 knots on a heading of 230 degrees magnetic, at an altitude of 9000 feet. The crew reported that there was no sound associated with the object. Visibility at the time of the sighting was reported as unlimited, and the wind direction was 270 degrees at 12 knots. The incident was documented on a Project 10073 record card and subsequently processed through military communication channels. The official conclusion recorded on the project card for this sighting is 'Unknown'. The report notes that the sighting occurred while the aircraft was in flight, and the crew's observation was made during a period of clear weather conditions. No radar contact was reported in connection with the object. The document includes standard declassification markings indicating it was downgraded at three-year intervals and declassified after 12 years per DOD Directive 5200.10.