Project 10073 Record Card and Incoming Message — Needles, California, 3 July 1959

This document contains a Project 10073 record card and associated incoming military messages regarding a UFO sighting that occurred on July 3, 1959, near Needles, California. The witness, identified as the Aviation Director of the State of Washington, was piloting a Piper Comanche at an altitude of 10,500 feet when he observed four kite-shaped objects that appeared to be the color of nickel. The objects were initially described as looking like an eagle approaching the windshield. The pilot reported that the objects flew back and forth sideways but remained in a relatively stationary position relative to his aircraft. The sighting lasted for approximately ten minutes, during which the pilot attempted to close the distance to the objects but was unsuccessful. The objects eventually disappeared as darkness fell. The official conclusion reached by the Air Force was that the sighting was likely a mirage or reflection caused by the rays of the setting sun passing through dust particles. The document also includes a separate, unrelated memorandum from July 24, 1959, regarding unidentified objects in the South China Seas, which discusses potential explanations such as submarine activity, Chinese fishing sampans, or giant manta rays.