Project 10073 Record Card and Correspondence — Chico, California, July 1960

This document file contains a Project 10073 record card and subsequent correspondence regarding a civilian sighting of unidentified aerial phenomena in Chico, California, on the night of July 16, 1960. The witness reported observing three objects that exhibited a zig-zag flight pattern, moved slowly, and featured two-phase lights circling their outer rims. The witness also submitted an article titled 'Where Columbus Left Off.' The Air Force's internal assessment, documented in a memorandum dated August 11, 1960, concluded that the information provided by the witness was insufficient for a formal analysis. Consequently, the Air Force recommended that the witness be sent a technical information sheet (ATIC Form 164) for completion to gather more specific data. The correspondence indicates that the Air Force attempted to contact the witness for further information, but received no reply, leading to the case being officially closed as having insufficient data. The final communication, dated November 25, 1960, from Captain William M. Mack of the Public Information Division, confirms that the witness's letter was forwarded to the office, and that the Air Force was returning the submitted article. The letter also includes standard language informing the witness that the United States Air Force possessed no evidence indicating that unidentified aerial phenomena were space craft or posed a threat to national security, and advised the witness on the Air Force's policy regarding the classification of such reports.