UFO Sighting Report and Correspondence — New Iberia, Louisiana, July 1964

This document collection details a UFO sighting reported by a civilian in New Iberia, Louisiana, on July 11, 1964. The witness, accompanied by their grandfather and four cousins, observed an object for approximately three hours, from 10:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. The witness described the object as having red, white, and green lights, exhibiting erratic movements including zig-zagging, spinning, and hovering. The observers attempted to view the object through binoculars and a telescope but were unable to identify it. The witness noted that the object appeared brighter than normal and that the red light would occasionally flare up. The witness also mentioned contacting a local Naval base and the Lafayette Air Station, where they were told it was a 'star.' The Air Force's Foreign Technology Division (FTD) reviewed the report and concluded that the sighting was likely an astronomical event, specifically a star or planet. Because the initial report lacked sufficient positional data, the FTD requested that the witness complete an FTD Form 164 to provide more technical details. The correspondence includes a letter from the Air Force to the witness, dated August 13, 1964, requesting this information to assist in determining the exact cause of the sighting. Additionally, the file contains a separate letter from the Air Force to the witness dated July 29, 1963, which discusses the Avro Aircraft Ltd. 'ground effect' vehicle, a saucer-shaped test craft developed in Canada, in response to a previous inquiry from the witness regarding flying saucers. The documents illustrate the standard administrative process for handling civilian UFO reports during this period, involving initial evaluation, requests for further data, and the provision of information regarding known experimental aircraft to address public curiosity.