Project 10073 Record Card and Incoming Message — Gettysburg AFS, South Dakota, 16 Oct 61

On October 16, 1961, at 1805 GMT, personnel at the 903rd Radar Squadron at Gettysburg Air Force Station, South Dakota, observed an unidentified aerial phenomenon. The sighting lasted for approximately 20 minutes. Witnesses described the object as having the apparent size of a baseball, leaving a heavy contrail that appeared to vary in density. The object was initially sighted near the horizon, moving on a northeasterly track before turning to a southerly track and eventually proceeding southwesterly. Observers noted abrupt turns and an appearance of dropping in altitude during maneuvers. The weather conditions were reported as clear with good visibility. Following the report, an investigation was conducted by the Air Technical Intelligence Center. It was determined that two SAC B-52 aircraft were in the area at the time of the sighting, a fact confirmed by the GRADS Weapons Section. The official conclusion reached by the intelligence officer was that the object was, in all probability, one of the B-52 aircraft. The unusual appearance and perceived high speed were attributed to the reflection of the setting sun on the aircraft's body and contrail. Interviews with the witnesses, who included radar operators, air police, and communications personnel, provided no evidence that the object performed maneuvers beyond the capabilities of a standard aircraft.