PROJECT 10073 RECORD CARD — Vicinity of McChord AFB, Wash — 18 April 1956

This document consists of a Project 10073 record card and associated teletype correspondence regarding an unidentified aerial phenomenon reported on April 18, 1956, in the vicinity of McChord Air Force Base, Washington. The witness, identified as a civilian, reported observing one object that subsequently became three round, white objects. The witness described the objects as appearing similar to automobile headlights seen from a distance of two blocks. The objects were observed for approximately three minutes while the witness was looking through the windshield of an automobile. The objects were reported to be circling before disappearing behind trees. The official military assessment, documented on the record card and in the teletype message, concluded that the objects were 'Probably Aircraft.' This conclusion was supported by information received from the control tower, which confirmed that a C-24 aircraft was performing left and right landing patterns at McChord AFB at the time of the sighting. The report suggests that the aircraft may have had its landing lights illuminated during the landing procedure, which would account for the visual description provided by the witness. The duration of the sighting, with the aircraft landing three minutes after the observation, was cited as evidence to substantiate this hypothesis. The report was forwarded in accordance with Air Force Regulation 200-5.