Declassified UFO / UAP Document
Project 10073 Record — UFO Sighting, Pike County, Missouri
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AI-Generated Summary
A civilian reported two sightings of an aerial object in Pike County, Missouri, in 1965. The Air Force investigated the report under Project 10073 and concluded the object was a helicopter.
This document contains a Project 10073 record and associated correspondence regarding a UFO sighting reported by a civilian in Pike County, Missouri. The witness reported observing an object on the nights of July 26 and September 4, 1965. The object was described as having a white, aluminum-like fuselage, approximately 12 feet in diameter, and featuring a rotating red light that varied in intensity. The witness reported that the object hovered, moved at a slow speed, climbed in 'steps,' and performed a 135-degree turn. The witness also noted a 'very soft whooshing' sound, similar to a soft wind. The witness provided detailed accounts of the sightings, including the use of local landmarks and aviation charts to estimate distance and position. The Foreign Technology Division (FTD) of the Air Force Systems Command evaluated the report and concluded that the observations were consistent with helicopter activity. The FTD explained that the 'erratic' light behavior was likely caused by the light shining through the helicopter's 'bubble' or open portion during turns. The Air Force confirmed that no unusual radar tracks were reported by the Air Defense Command (ADC) in the area during the specified period and noted that helicopters from various military units could have been in the vicinity. Due to the delay in the submission of the report, the Air Force determined that no attempt would be made to identify a specific flight.
The intensity and deviation in appearance at regular intervals occurs when the aircraft is in a turn or at an angle when the light shines through the "bubble" or open portion of the craft.
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Official Assessment
A/C (Helo). The slow flight, including hovering, the sound, and the apparent erratic fluctuation of the red light are characteristic of helicopters. The intensity and deviation in appearance at regular intervals occurs when the aircraft is in a turn or at an angle when the light shines through the "bubble" or open portion of the craft.
The Air Force concluded the sightings were likely a helicopter. They noted that the witness's landmark is used as a reference point for cross-country flights and that no unusual reports or radar tracks were recorded in the area.
Witnesses
- [illegible]Civilian
Key Persons
- Mrs. [illegible]Witness/Reporter