Project 10073 Record Card — Rhein Main AB, Germany, 13 April 1960

This document is an Air Intelligence Information Report regarding a UFO sighting reported on 13 April 1960 at Rhein Main Air Base, Germany. An airman, stationed at the civilian terminal building, reported observing a round, yellow object, approximately the size of a grapefruit, descending rapidly in a straight line. The observation lasted between three and four minutes. The witness noted that the object had no trail and made no sound. The report was investigated by Captain Francis E. Gotch of the 7310th Support Group. Following a review of air traffic records, the investigation concluded that the sighting was not an anomalous phenomenon but rather the landing lights of an aircraft approaching Rhein Main airport. The report notes that it is common practice for pilots to display landing lights during descent to distinguish their aircraft from ground lights. The investigator further suggested that the observer's perception of the object's size and speed was likely distorted by the night conditions and the observer's lack of optical aids. All local control agencies, including the Frankfurt Air Traffic Control and the 17th Air Force Command Post, were contacted, and no other reports of unusual activity were received. The final assessment stated that there was no physical evidence, such as materials or photographs, to support any other conclusion, and that the incident was considered a common occurrence in the vicinity of a busy airport. No further investigation was deemed necessary by the EURATIC office.