Declassified UFO / UAP Document
PROJECT 10073 RECORD CARD — Tampa, Florida, 20 March 1957
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AI-Generated Summary
A civilian reported an unidentified orange light in Tampa, Florida, on March 20, 1957. Military investigators concluded the sighting was likely a reflection of advertising searchlights on clouds.
This document consists of a Project 10073 record card and associated teletype communications regarding an unidentified aerial phenomenon reported on March 20, 1957, near Tampa, Florida. The primary witness, a civilian with a background as a Navy aviation machinist, observed a bright, orange-glowing object at approximately 0030Z. The witness described the object as having no visible solid structure, moving north before stopping, turning 180 degrees, and departing rapidly to the south. The witness observed the object visually and through binoculars for approximately three minutes. Military personnel at MacDill Air Force Base investigated the report, considering potential explanations such as a weather balloon released from Tampa International Airport. However, the witness rejected the balloon theory based on information provided to him regarding jet stream conditions. Further investigation by base operations, including inquiries to local towers, revealed that advertising searchlights were in operation in the Tampa area at the time of the sighting. These searchlights were observed reflecting off a thin cloud layer. The official conclusion reached by the investigating authorities was that the sighting was likely a result of this searchlight activity.
The best correlation of UFOB sighting appears to be of the searchlight reflection from the clouds PD
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Official Assessment
This sighting was probably caused by searchlight activity in the area reflecting off clouds.
The observer, a former Navy aviation machinist, reported a bright orange light. Military investigation determined that advertising searchlights were active in the area at the time, intersecting a thin cloud layer, which provided the best correlation for the sighting.
Witnesses
- [illegible]Civilian