Project 10073 Record Card and Air Intelligence Information Report — Pan American Airways Aircraft N-729 PA

This document details an Air Intelligence Information Report concerning an incident involving Pan American Airways aircraft N-729 PA. On April 26, 1961, while en route from Wake Island to Yokota Air Base in Japan, the aircraft encountered an unidentified object at an altitude of 31,000 feet, approximately 1,000 miles from Yokota. The pilot reported feeling and hearing a muffled thump during the flight. Upon arrival at Travis Air Force Base on April 27, 1961, an inspection by Major V. L. Sadowski revealed structural damage to the aircraft's right wing root, specifically between the fuselage and the right landing light. The damage included a cracked rib assembly at forward spar station 16 and a bent fairing assembly between stations 16 and 75. The leading edge of the wing at the point of contact had been covered with a 3x4 foot sheet of aluminum to smooth the contour, and two minor dents were noted on the landing light fairing. The report concludes that the damage was likely caused by a collision with a Rawinsonde (weather balloon) released by the weather unit stationed at Marcus Island. The incident was documented under Project 10073, and the report includes communications between various military commands, including MATS and the 4503rd Air Intelligence Squadron, confirming the structural damage and the subsequent investigation.