UFO Investigation Report — Southwick, Massachusetts, 26 September 1958

This document is a UFO investigation report from the 57th Air Division (SAC) regarding a sighting that occurred on 26 September 1958, near Southwick, Massachusetts. The witness, a commercial artist, was driving north on highway 202 and 10 when he observed a glowing, red-orange, elliptical object approximately 20 feet in diameter. The object featured a bulbous front and a tail estimated to be 500 feet long. The witness reported that the object, which made no sound, traveled on a slightly descending path from south to north before disappearing behind a hill and exploding into a shower of sparks. The observation lasted no longer than three seconds. The witness, who has experience flying light aircraft, initially believed the object was a jet in distress and attempted to contact Westover Air Force Base. He later produced a sketch of the object. The report notes that the witness and his wife had observed a similar object in New Mexico in 1949 but had refrained from reporting it due to fear of public ridicule. The investigation included a check with the CAA at Windsor Locks, Connecticut, which confirmed no aircraft were in the area at the time. The report concludes that while it is doubtful there is a connection to other aircrew or radar sightings, the proximity of the event warranted a formal investigation. The file includes a sketch, a 4x5 color transparency, and a 35mm color slide.