Project 10073 Record Card and Related Correspondence — Kirtland AFB, New Mexico, April 1959

This document consists of a series of communications regarding an Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) sighting reported on April 27, 1959, near Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico. The initial report, filed by the 687th ACWRON at West Mesa AFS, describes a single, very bright object that first caught the observer's attention with a bright flash. The object was observed for approximately five minutes, during which it followed an erratic flight path, initially traveling due North before turning due East over Kirtland AFB. The observer was identified as a technical representative stationed at Moriarty AFS, New Mexico. The report was initially processed by 1st Lt. Jackie Barrett and forwarded to MCC-12. Upon review, the Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC) determined that the information provided was too limited to conduct a meaningful analysis of the sighting. Consequently, on May 15, 1959, ATIC issued a directive to the 687th ACWRON requesting a formal investigation in compliance with Air Force Regulation 200-2. This directive specifically requested that the investigators determine if other individuals had witnessed the object and, if so, to obtain their detailed descriptions of the event. The documentation includes the original Project 10073 record card, which summarizes the sighting details and notes that the evaluation was not possible due to the limited information submitted. Subsequent internal communications reiterate the lack of sufficient data and the inability to contact the original observer for further clarification, noting that the observer was on temporary duty (TDY) in Camden, New Jersey. The file reflects the standard administrative procedure for handling UAP reports within the Air Force during this period, emphasizing the requirement for thorough documentation and the challenges posed by incomplete initial reports.