U.S. Air Force Technical Information Sheet — Sighting Report, 12 April 1953, Sweetwater, Nevada

On 12 April 1953, at approximately 1510 hours PST, the crew of a U.S. Air Force C-47 aircraft (No. 3133) observed ten unidentified aerial objects while flying from Long Beach, California, to Stead Air Force Base, Reno, Nevada. The primary witnesses were Major Fred G. Padelford, 2nd Lt. Frank E. White, and 2nd Lt. John Cripe, all assigned to the 8th Air Rescue Squadron. The objects were first spotted directly over Sweetwater Airport, Nevada, at an estimated altitude of 7,500 feet MSL, traveling on a heading of 110 degrees. The objects were described as round, flat, and metallic in color, appearing similar in size to a T-6 aircraft. They were observed in a loose, changing formation. Major Padelford, who was piloting the C-47, took control and initiated a tight 300-degree right turn to gain a better view of the objects. During this maneuver, the objects were observed to be in a large, sweeping right turn and descending. The crew noted that the objects were at a lower altitude than their own aircraft and were between them and the ground. The objects were observed for approximately 120 degrees of their turn before disappearing on a heading of approximately 300 degrees. The crew reported no sound, exhaust, or vapor trails associated with the objects. The weather at the time was described as slightly hazy with scattered clouds and a visibility of 30 miles. The crew explicitly stated their opinion that there were no unusual atmospheric conditions that could have caused the sighting. Following the incident, the crew reported the event upon landing at Stead AFB. The report was subsequently processed through official channels, including the Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC) and Project Blue Book. While the crew remained uncertain about the nature of the objects, official assessments suggested they were likely aircraft, possibly trainers, based on their color, maneuvers, and the distance at which they were observed. The documentation includes correspondence between the Air Technical Intelligence Center and the witnesses, as well as internal military communications regarding the sighting. The case was categorized as 'possibly aircraft' by the evaluating authorities.