Project 10073 Record Card — Topeka, Kansas, 9 September 1962

On September 9, 1962, at approximately 0040Z, a civilian observer in Topeka, Kansas, reported a sighting of an unidentified aerial object. The witness, a 50-year-old linotype machinist, observed a tear-drop shaped object that appeared to be the size of a silver dollar. The object was described as brilliant orange in color and was first noticed due to its reflection of the sun. The witness reported that the object remained at a consistent elevation, approximately 30 to 35 degrees above the horizon, and was estimated to be 20 miles away. The object exhibited no maneuvers, maintaining a straight and slow flight path for a total duration of 15 to 20 minutes before it either moved out of range or took on the appearance of a star. The observer noted no sound, tail, trail, or exhaust. Weather conditions at the time were clear with nine miles of visibility. The report was prepared by 1/LT Charles E. Smith of the 40th Bomb Wing. The official conclusion reached by the Air Force was that the description and flight characteristics were consistent with a helicopter, which were in wide use at the base. No other reports of the object were received.