PROJECT 10073 RECORD CARD - UFO Hoax

In October 1957, an employee of Bendix Radio in Van Nuys, California, reported finding a 'finned missile-like' object in the mountains near Angelus Crest Highway. The object, approximately three feet in length, featured amateurish Russian markings and was constructed using brand-new US-type cable connectors and aluminum fins bearing ALCOA markings. The individual initially presented the object to the Public Information Office (PIO) in Hollywood, leading to significant publicity. Upon investigation by the Air Force, the object was identified as a hoax. The finder eventually admitted to constructing the object as a prank to play on his supervisor. The Air Force Office of Public Information, in an effort to protect the individual from potential loss of employment or public embarrassment, agreed not to release his name. The case was documented under Project 10073, with the physical object and photographs submitted to the Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC) for further analysis. Correspondence between ATIC and the Western Office indicates that the Air Force was conducting a statistical survey of hoaxes and attempted hoaxes at the request of HQ USAF. There was concern that the incident might be featured on a nation-wide program, and instructions were issued to ensure the individual's name and location were not used if the story were to be broadcast.