UFO Sighting Report - Sloan, Nevada, 20 March 1965

This document details the investigation and photo analysis of a reported UFO sighting near Sloan, Nevada, on March 20, 1965. The witness, a civilian, claimed to have observed a hazy white, solid-looking object while driving on U.S. Highway 91. He reported that the object moved from southeast to northwest for approximately 20 seconds. The witness stopped his car, placed his camera on the hood, and took a photograph of the object just before it disappeared. The witness later submitted eight negatives and a print for investigation. The investigation, conducted by Captain Charles F. Reichmuth of the Space Systems Division (SSD), included an interrogation of the witness and a technical analysis of the photographic materials. The witness appeared to be a sincere individual, though he was unfamiliar with angular measurements and compass directions. The photo analysis, performed by the Foreign Technology Division (FTD) and SSD, concluded that the image was not a genuine solid object. Analysts noted that the edges of the object were not sharp, despite the background and foreground being in focus. Furthermore, there was no evidence of image motion or camera motion that would be expected given the object's reported speed. The consensus among the photo experts was that the 'UFO' image was likely caused by a drop of developer fluid on the negative, which was subsequently wiped off, creating a dark blob and a light trail. The report suggests this could have been an attempted hoax, noting that the witness had expressed interest in selling the picture to a publication. The original negatives and prints were returned to the witness without any official Air Force comment.