Project 10073 Record Card and Associated Reports — Atsugi, Japan, May 1961

On May 1, 1961, at 0958Z, multiple observers at Atsugi Naval Air Station in Japan reported an unidentified aerial phenomenon. The witnesses included personnel in the control tower, specifically Private J.L. Wall, A3C R.A. Forman, A1C H. Hanks, and a JMSDF officer named Kuhara. The object was described as an elongated, somewhat rectangular, white, burning object with a flaming trail, roughly the size of a dime held at arm's length. It was observed at an altitude of approximately 5,000 feet, moving in a descending arc from north to south before burning out. The observation lasted between 10 and 12 seconds, and no sound was reported. Weather conditions at the time included 6 miles of visibility with haze and smoke, but no ceiling. The report was formally submitted by Detachment 2 of the 41st Air Division. Intelligence officers, including 1st Lt. Harry C. Latchelder of the 43rd Fighter Interceptor Squadron, reviewed the incident. The official conclusion reached by the Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC) was that the object was an astronomical meteor, as the duration and description of the sighting were consistent with such an event. The report notes that the sighting was corroborated by other reports, including one from an air policeman on patrol at Itazuke Air Force Base who also observed the object.