UAP Sighting Report — 15 Miles South of Houghton Lake, Michigan, 16 July 1964

This document details an Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) sighting reported by a 23-year-old commercial pilot from Northern Air Service on July 16, 1964. The pilot, flying at an altitude of 4,500 feet, observed six white lights in a stepped-up echelon formation to his left. Initially, there were four objects, which were later joined by two more. The objects were observed for approximately five minutes before fading out on a heading of 190 degrees. The pilot, who was flying at 145 knots, described the lights as being brighter than stars and arranged in a set formation, with two on top, two on the edge of the plane, and two in the middle, resembling steps. He noted that the two top lights dimmed and the lower lights seemed to drift behind. The pilot expressed significant concern during the encounter, stating that his 'heart fell to his feet' and he prepared for evasive action to prevent a collision. Official investigations, including a check of the 'Lazy Day' radar and operations at Selfridge 4045 ARW, yielded negative results for any conventional aircraft in the area. The report includes correspondence from Dr. J. Allen Hynek of Northwestern University, who contacted the witness in May 1965 to request further information via FTD Form 164. The incident is also noted in the American UFO Committee Review, Vol 1, No 2, September 1964.