Project 10073 Record Card — Sighting at McClellan AFB, California, 26 July 1961

On July 26, 1961, at 2301 local time, three pilots from the 963rd AEW&C Squadron observed an unidentified aerial phenomenon while on final approach to McClellan Air Force Base, California. The witnesses, Captain George C. Bristol and First Lieutenants Charles D. Coleman and Bertram C. Frazier, were flying an RC-121-D aircraft. They reported seeing a round, orange-white object that appeared to have a nickel-like surface. The object exhibited an uncontrolled trajectory, moving in a southeasterly direction. During the 15-second observation, the object disintegrated into three distinct parts, leaving a trail behind it. The witnesses described the trail as being ten times the length of the object's diameter and half its width. The weather conditions at the time were clear with a bright moon and visibility exceeding 15 miles. No radar contact was made, and no sound was reported. The report was submitted in accordance with AFR 200-2 format. The official conclusion reached by the Air Technical Intelligence Center (ATIC) was that the object was an astronomical meteor, specifically a bolide that disintegrated before reaching the ground. While the intelligence officer for the 552nd AEW&C Wing noted that the duration of the sighting was slightly longer than typical for a meteor, it was suggested that this was likely an overestimation by the observers. The three officers involved were considered reliable witnesses.