Project 10073 Record

This document is a Project 10073 record detailing an unidentified aerial phenomenon sighting that occurred on February 20, 1953, in the vicinity of Pittsburg and Stockton, California. The report involves Air Force pilots who were conducting a practice bombing run when they observed an object. Initially, the pilots believed the object to be an aircraft with its landing light illuminated. The object was described as large and bright yellow in color. As the encounter progressed, the object, which was initially on a collision course from a northern direction, appeared to dim as it approached the observers' aircraft. Subsequently, the object executed a turn to the east and accelerated rapidly, climbing to a high altitude at a 30-degree angle. The duration of the observation was recorded as eight minutes. The investigation into the incident included checks for balloon launches and other aircraft in the area, both of which yielded negative results. The observers, noted as having considerable flying experience, explicitly stated that the object was not a planet or an astronomical body. The final conclusion recorded for the case is 'UNKNOWN', and it is noted that there is no case file. The document includes a map sketch illustrating the flight path, showing the initial observation point, the area where the object stopped and flashed, and the direction of its departure.