Project 10073 Record Card and Associated Teletype Reports — May 1957

This document consists of a Project 10073 record card and associated teletype communications regarding an Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon (UAP) sighting that occurred on May 3, 1957. The primary witness was Lieutenant A. G. Alexander, an instructor pilot based at Naval Air Station Hutchinson, Kansas. While flying, Lieutenant Alexander observed a perfectly round object, estimated to be the size of a jet fighter, moving in a straight line on a 270-degree course. The object was reported to have a brilliant white trail of fire approximately five miles long. The observation lasted for fifteen seconds. A second report, filed by 1st Lieutenant F. T. Schmitz of the 61st Air Rescue Squadron at Stead AFB, also references the sighting of a 'trail of fire' and notes that the object appeared to be descending. The reports were processed through the Lowry Flight Service Center and directed to various military commands, including the Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC) at Wright-Patterson AFB. The official conclusion recorded on the Project 10073 card states that the description and duration of the sighting indicate it was likely caused by a meteor. The documentation includes weather data for the time of the sighting, which was reported as clear with 15 miles of visibility, and confirms that there was no known air traffic in the area at the time of the incident.