Air Intelligence Information Report: Sighting of Four Unidentified Objects, 27 January 1953

On 27 January 1953, at approximately 1044 PST, two United States Air Force pilots flying a T-29 aircraft observed four unidentified objects while over Hanford, California. The pilots, 1st Lt. Frank L. Cukar and Capt. Hadley, were part of the 3535th Observer Training Wing based at Mather AFB. The objects were described as brilliant, silver, and circular, resembling a pie tin or plate. The witnesses reported that the objects performed unconventional, tumbling, and rolling maneuvers, moving toward and away from their aircraft without any visible tail or exhaust. The objects were estimated to be at an altitude of 12,000 to 15,000 feet, and the observation lasted for approximately four to five minutes. The pilots noted that the objects were not in formation and that their speed was comparable to that of jet aircraft. The weather conditions were clear, with a haze layer at 4,000 feet and visibility above the haze estimated at 100 miles. The pilots were wearing smoked-colored sunglasses during the observation. They notified Fresno Radio, who in turn notified Military Flight Service. The report includes a diagram of the maneuvers and a map of the flight path. The official conclusion provided in the document is that the objects were 'Probably balloon,' specifically suggesting they were the same balloons sighted by witnesses at March AFB 40 minutes earlier. The report was approved by Major Michael J. Stublarec and forwarded to the Air Technical Intelligence Center at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio.