Project 10073 Record Card — Sighting of 9 June 1958

This document is an Air Intelligence Information Report (D5-UFC-1) concerning a UFO sighting reported on June 9, 1958, by a 1st Lieutenant pilot of the 318th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, flying an F-102 aircraft over the Puget Sound area of Washington. The pilot reported observing a pinkish-white, cylindrical object between 40,000 and 50,000 feet. He described the object as having a dark center, moving at a 'terrific speed,' and performing maneuvers including oscillation, climbing, descending, and circling his aircraft four or five times before accelerating rapidly out of sight on a northwest heading. The pilot estimated the object's diameter to be twelve times its depth, providing specific measurements in inches, which investigators later cited as evidence of the pilot's questionable reliability in estimating size and distance at high speeds. Investigative efforts by the 1006th Air Intelligence Service Squadron (AISS) included checking wind plots and radar data. It was determined that a weather balloon had been released in the area approximately 20 minutes prior to the sighting. The final ATIC evaluation concluded that the object was 'Probably a Balloon.' Analysts noted that the pilot's observations—such as the object oscillating, slowing down, climbing, and turning—are well-known characteristics of balloons. Furthermore, the report suggests that the pilot's perception of the object circling him was an illusion common at high altitudes where there are no horizon or perspective points to provide reference. The report also notes that the 738th AC&W controller tracking the pilot did not observe any additional objects on the radar scope during the incident. The document includes various internal communications, including a record card, message forms, and an analyst's summary, all reinforcing the conclusion that the sighting was likely a balloon and that the pilot's report was influenced by flight illusions.