Sighting Incident Report — Mt. Taylor, New Mexico, 27 March 1953

This document details a military sighting of an unidentified aerial phenomenon that occurred on March 27, 1953, near Mt. Taylor, New Mexico. The report, transmitted via military cable, describes a circular, bright orange object observed by an experienced Air Force pilot. The object, described as being the size of a pea held at arm's length, performed three fast rolls and descended in a fast curve from 28,000 feet to 20,000 feet at a speed of 600 knots. The pilot attempted to close in on the object but was unable to do so. The report explicitly notes that the object lacked aerodynamic features, trails, exhaust, or visible propulsion systems. Radar confirmation was obtained, with the object tracked at 599 knots. Weather conditions were reported as clear with high visibility. The report notes that the pilot was certain the object was not a weather balloon. Furthermore, the document mentions a second sighting by another pilot at approximately 1930 MST on the same day, where the object was observed to change color from orange to green while moving on a steady course. The official conclusion stated that while the sighting was similar to an aircraft, the speed and behavior were not in accord with standard aircraft performance, leaving the phenomenon unidentified.