Project 10073 Record Card: Sighting over Mormon Mesa, Nevada, 4 January 1960

On January 4, 1960, at 0530Z, a sighting occurred over Mormon Mesa, Nevada, involving a single object observed by the flight crew and passengers of United Airlines Flight 140. The object was described as appearing like a missile of some sort, characterized by a blue and yellow flame. It was observed at an altitude between 20,000 and 25,000 feet, moving steadily and rapidly in a southwest direction. The duration of the observation was approximately five seconds. Airborne radar at the site was unable to detect the object. The incident was reported through military channels, including the 1902nd AACS Squadron and the Hamilton Flight Service Center. Subsequent investigation involved inquiries to the Lick Observatory. Dr. Bidelman of the Lick Observatory reported that no astronomical phenomena were recorded at that time and location, but noted that the description provided by the witnesses was highly characteristic of a meteor. Based on this expert consultation and the lack of radar confirmation, the official conclusion reached by the Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC) was that the object was likely a meteor. The reliability of the source was assessed as 'probably very good.' The report includes various administrative details, including weather conditions at the time of the sighting, which were noted as having scattered middle-layer clouds at 12,000 feet with unlimited visibility.