Project 10073 Record Card and Related Correspondence — 17 August 1956

This document contains records and correspondence related to a UFO sighting reported on 17 August 1956 by the pilot of Eastern Airlines Flight 49. The pilot, flying a DC-4 at 6,000 feet, observed a round, orange and white bobbing light for approximately 20 to 25 minutes. The object was reported to be moving west to east and was also sighted by a tower operator at LaGuardia Airport. The sighting occurred at coordinates 31 degrees 50 minutes North, 73 degrees 55 minutes West. Following the report, the Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC) initiated an investigation under Project 10073. As part of this process, ATIC sent inquiries to General Mills, Inc., and the 110th Air Support Group to determine if any high-altitude balloons were launched or tracked in the vicinity of the sighting that could account for the object. General Mills responded that there was no possibility that their balloons were in the area. Despite the lack of a confirmed balloon, the official conclusion noted on the Project 10073 record card suggests that the most probable explanation for the sighting was an 'astro body,' although the initial comments on the card also noted that the description appeared characteristic of a balloon. The documentation includes the original record card, various teletype messages confirming the sighting details, and the subsequent administrative correspondence between military units and private contractors.