Initial Report of Investigation of UFO - 27 January 1965

This document is an official Air Force report regarding a UFO sighting that occurred on 27 January 1965 near Plum Tree Island, Virginia. The observer, a 34-year-old service engineer, reported seeing an object with three to seven flashing red or orange lights. The object was estimated to be 75 feet across and 10 to 15 feet high. The witness, using 20-power binoculars, observed the object moving in a zigzag pattern before landing on the shore of Plum Tree Island, where it remained for approximately five minutes. It subsequently took off to the north, turned right, and departed to the east at a high rate of speed. The report notes that the observer was prompted to report the incident due to other similar sightings in the Virginia coastal area that had been publicized by the press. First Lieutenant Robert R. Dockum, the investigating officer, conducted a personal interview with the witness on 29 January 1965. Following an investigation, which included a search of the area by helicopter the next morning, the Air Force concluded that the most probable cause of the sighting was a Navy H-3 helicopter (Navy Helicopter 49921) that was confirmed to be operating in the area east of Langley AFB between 2300 and 2330 Zulu on the night of the incident. The witness himself stated that he believed a helicopter would explain his sighting.