UFO Sighting, Mammoth, Arizona, 15 Jan 65

This document details a UFO sighting reported by a civilian in Mammoth, Arizona, on January 15, 1965. The witness, an underground surveyor for the Magma Copper Company, reported observing three white lights forming an equilateral triangle, spaced approximately 15 feet apart. The lights were initially seen motionless above a parking lot at an elevation of 45 degrees. The witness claimed the object began moving to the northwest at 40-50 mph. He further reported that an aircraft approached from the southeast, seemingly attempting to intercept the object, though the aircraft never caught it. The entire observation lasted approximately 14 minutes. The report was investigated by Dr. J. Allen Hynek of the Dearborn Observatory, Northwestern University, who conducted an on-site investigation on March 22, 1965. Hynek found numerous contradictions in the witness's account, noting that the witness was confused about directions and that his description of the object's trajectory and angular size was inconsistent. Hynek concluded that the witness was unreliable and that the report was likely a fabrication or a misidentified aircraft, suggesting it be filed as 'Inadequate information' or 'Inadequate witness.' The military investigation, led by Major Hector Quintanilla, Jr., confirmed that no air traffic or intercepts were recorded by the Phoenix Air Defense Sector during the time of the sighting.