Air Intelligence Information Report — Unidentified Aerial Object, 1 January 1953

This document is an Air Intelligence Information Report (AF Form 112) regarding an unidentified aerial object observed near Brookley Air Force Base, Alabama, on the night of January 1, 1953. The primary witness was a Captain in the 2916th Area Maintenance Group, who was attending a drive-in movie at the time of the sighting. Between 2015 and 2030 hours, the witness observed a bluish-white light, approximately one mile away, traveling at an altitude of 2,000 to 3,000 feet on a northerly heading. The object was estimated to be one to two feet in diameter, possessed a small exhaust trail, and traveled at a speed of 250 to 300 knots. The witness noted that the object moved in a straight and level flight before performing a climbing turn and suddenly disappearing, as if a light switch had been turned off. The witness stated the object resembled the exhaust of an F-94 aircraft with its afterburner engaged, though no sound was heard and no other lights were visible on the object. The weather at the time was clear with unrestricted visibility. Base intelligence contacted local operations and the nearby Bates Field, both of which confirmed no jet aircraft activity in the area at that time. A weather balloon (pyball) was released from Bates Field at 2100 hours, but this occurred after the reported observation. The investigating officer, 2d Lt. Frank B. Elliott, noted that the witness was a senior pilot with ten years of flying experience and was considered highly reliable. Because the report was not filed until twelve hours after the incident, no interception was attempted. The official conclusion reached by the intelligence office was that the object was 'probably aircraft'.