Project 10073 Record Card — Bethel, Alaska, 29 January 1962

This document consists of a Project 10073 record card and an associated incoming Air Force message regarding a UFO sighting reported on January 29, 1962, in Bethel, Alaska. The witness, a 33-year-old auto mechanic at the Bethel Hospital who is also a licensed private pilot of fifteen years, reported observing a single silver object at approximately 0205Z. The object was described as appearing similar to a distant plane or jet with sunlight reflecting off it, and was estimated to be the size of a dime held at arm's length. The witness observed the object for 30 seconds as it traveled due west at an altitude of 500 to 800 feet before turning in a northerly direction and disappearing into a fog bank in the northwest. The report notes that the object's speed was considered too fast for a conventional aircraft. The weather conditions at the time were reported as having unlimited ceiling and visibility, with surface winds from the north-northeast at 17 knots and a temperature of minus 20 degrees. The report explicitly states that there is no physical evidence, such as materials or photographs, associated with the sighting. The military's preliminary analysis, conducted by the 713th ACW Squadron and reviewed by ATIC, concluded that the object was likely an aircraft reflecting sunlight. The report emphasizes that there is no evidence in the sighting to suggest the presence of an interplanetary space vehicle or any threat to national security. The witness is noted as being very reliable due to his aviation background.