Air Intelligence Information Report — Cottonwood, Arizona, 27 January 1953

This Air Intelligence Information Report, dated 30 January 1953, documents a sighting of an unidentified aerial object near Cottonwood, Arizona, on 27 January 1953. The report, authored by Captain Harold W. Lehman of the Wing Training & Operations at Williams Air Force Base, details an account provided by an anonymous witness. According to the witness, at approximately 1915 hours MST, they observed a large, yellow-orange light with a smaller light trailing behind it like a tail. The witness, who used 8x30 binoculars to observe the object, estimated its altitude to be between 8,000 and 10,000 feet, its speed between 350 and 400 mph, and its distance between 7 and 10 miles. The object was described as moving in a horizontal, southerly direction. The witness reported that the object was brighter and larger than any stars in the area, emitted no sound, and did not blink. The observation lasted approximately five minutes. The witness noted that they had observed a conventional aircraft in the vicinity immediately prior to the sighting. Captain Lehman expressed skepticism regarding the report, noting that the witness's identity was unknown, which prevented an assessment of their reliability. Furthermore, the investigator concluded that the witness's estimates of altitude, distance, and speed were likely inaccurate, suggesting the object was actually much further away and at a higher altitude. The official conclusion reached by the Air Force was that the object was 'PROBABLY AIRCRAFT.' The document includes a map diagram and a statement from the witness as enclosures.