Project 10073 Record Card and Investigation Reports — Carswell AFB, Texas, 4 February 1954

On the night of 4 February 1954, personnel at Carswell Air Force Base in Texas reported a significant unidentified aerial phenomenon. The object was observed both visually and via GCA radar. Witnesses, including experienced tower personnel, described the object as a dark grey, aircraft-shaped craft, larger than a B-36, with a long fuselage and elliptical wings. Notably, the object emitted no sound, left no exhaust trail, and displayed no visible means of propulsion. The radar contact was first detected at 2300 hours, approximately 13 to 15 miles to the southwest, maintaining a straight course toward the base. Tower personnel observed the object from 2301 until 2306, when it passed out of sight to the northwest at an estimated altitude of 3,000 to 4,000 feet. A second radar incident occurred approximately 20 minutes later, involving two targets that merged and maneuvered in a manner described as unusual. Following an investigation by the Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC) and the 4602d AISS, it was determined that the initial visual and radar sighting coincided with the flight path of a C-124 aircraft en route from Travis AFB to Turner AFB. The C-124 had changed its flight plan, descending from 13,000 to 7,000 feet, which brought it into the vicinity of the Carswell control tower. Investigators concluded that the lack of sound reported by witnesses was likely due to the aircraft's descent and an under-estimation of its altitude. Regarding the second radar sighting, further investigation into surrounding bases revealed that the 3627th WACCO SQ at James Connally AFB was conducting radar observer training exercises involving B-25 aircraft in the area during the same time period. The maneuvers recorded by the radar operators were found to be consistent with these training operations, leading investigators to conclude that the radar returns were likely these training aircraft.