Project 10073 Record Card and Related Correspondence — Tonopah, Nevada, 23 November 1957

This document file details the investigation of a UFO sighting reported by 1st Lt. Joseph F. Long, a USAF fighter pilot, on 23 November 1957. While driving between Tonopah and Las Vegas, Nevada, at approximately 0630 hours, Long reported that his vehicle's engine stopped, and he observed four disc-like objects at a distance of 50 feet. He described the objects as having a translucent dome, landing gear, and emitting a humming sound. After 20 minutes, the objects ascended and flew north. Long reported the incident to the Base Security Officer at Indian Springs AFB. The Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC) initiated an investigation, requesting checks from radar units and the Nevada Highway Department, both of which yielded negative results. The case was referred to Dr. Paul M. Fitts, a psychologist at Ohio State University, for analysis. Dr. Fitts concluded that the sighting was likely a case of mistaken identity caused by 'road hypnosis' and extreme fatigue, noting that Long had recently completed a rigorous survival course and had been driving all night. Fitts also suggested the possibility of a hoax, pointing out inconsistencies in Long's account, such as his failure to observe small structural details despite claiming to be only 50 feet away. Internal correspondence reveals a debate within the Air Force regarding whether to conduct a full-scale investigation by the Office of Special Investigations (OSI). While some officers initially pushed for a formal investigation to rule out a hoax, Colonel H. K. Gilbert eventually recommended closing the case, arguing that further investigation would be detrimental to the officer and would not positively disprove the sighting. The case was officially closed in May 1958, with the Air Force accepting the psychological explanation provided by Dr. Fitts.