Project 10073 Record Card and Spot Intelligence Report — Van Nuys, California, 21 February 1954

This document consists of a Project 10073 record card and a subsequent Spot Intelligence Report dated 25 March 1954, regarding a sighting of unidentified flying objects in Van Nuys, California, on 21 February 1954. The primary witness, a former Air Force pilot, reported that at approximately 2300 hours, he and his wife were returning home when he observed an object in the sky while unlocking his garage. He called his wife and their neighbor, a former Marine Corps pilot, to observe the phenomenon. The witnesses described two objects that appeared to be elliptical in shape, approximately 30 to 50 feet in diameter, and luminous with a red center and an electric-blue halo. The objects were observed for approximately three minutes under clear, moonlit conditions. The witnesses reported that the objects moved erratically, circled, and traveled at an estimated speed of 1,000 mph at an altitude of 4,000 to 4,500 feet. The objects made no sound. After the initial observation, a second object approached from the north, performed three complete circles, and then disappeared to the east. The witnesses noted that a jet aircraft was observed at a lower altitude approaching from the east after the objects had disappeared. The witnesses, both experienced pilots, stated that the objects were unlike any aircraft they were familiar with and that the sighting was beyond their professional experience. The 18th District Office of Special Investigations, which handled the report, concluded that the objects appeared to be aircraft and advised that no further action would be taken on the matter. The report was forwarded to the Air Technical Intelligence Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.