Air Intelligence Information Report: Sighting at Mascoutah, Illinois, 28 March 1953

This document consists of an Air Intelligence Information Report regarding a sighting on 28 March 1953 near Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. A civilian employee, who was a former Crew Chief and Aerial Engineer, reported seeing a dirigible-shaped object flying just above the tree tops. The witness described the object as approximately 600 feet long, dull silver in color, and surrounded by a mist or haze. According to the report, the object moved from South to North, changed course at the 12 o'clock position, hovered for a few seconds, and then disappeared at a 'terrific' speed while rolling to the left. The witness estimated the object's altitude to be between 100 and 200 feet. The report notes that the witness had a history of nervous or emotional difficulties, which led investigators to believe the sighting was of little value. Official military correspondence and a letter from Dr. Allen Hynek to 1st Lt. Robert Olsson at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base confirm that the incident was officially classified as a mirage. Hynek remarked in his correspondence that this was the first report he had seen of an 'honest to goodness mirage.' The document includes technical details regarding weather conditions at the time of the sighting and confirms that there was no radar contact or intercept action taken.