Project 10073 Record Card: Sighting near Hortense, Georgia, 3 February 1958

This document contains a Project 10073 record card and associated correspondence regarding an unidentified flying object sighting reported by a civilian near Hortense, Georgia, on February 3, 1958. The witness, who was traveling by car, observed an object that they initially mistook for a Cub plane. Upon closer inspection, the witness noted the object was too small to be a standard aircraft and too large to be a toy. The object was described as having no propeller, making no engine noise, and possessing brass-colored objects under its wings. It was observed at an altitude of 300-500 feet, traveling at approximately 100 mph, before descending to 50-75 feet and leveling off. The witness and a companion concluded it must be a glider. The report was forwarded by the Commanding Officer of the U.S. Naval Air Station at Glynco to the Director of Intelligence at U.S. Air Force Headquarters. A subsequent investigation by the Air Force, including a check of radar stations and operational units in the area, yielded no unusual reports for that date. Major Lawrence J. Tacker of the USAF responded to the witness on March 5, 1958, stating that the characteristics and maneuvers described were consistent with a small glider or a large model airplane.