Project 10073 Record — Aquada, Puerto Rico, 23 July 1965

This document contains a comprehensive sighting report and subsequent correspondence regarding an Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon observed on July 23, 1965, in Aquada, Puerto Rico. The primary witness, a civilian with a background in science and topography, reported observing a brilliant object on the western horizon at approximately 10:05 P.M. The object moved north, performed a semi-circle turn, and proceeded south. The witness described the object as having an oval shape and emitting an intense orange light, which dimmed as it reached the constellation Scorpius near the star Antares. The witness reported that the object hovered and, upon accelerating, was surrounded by high-density fog and emitted a humming sound. The witness also noted that their house lights flickered during the event. The witness, who lived approximately five miles from Ramey Air Force Base, claimed to be familiar with conventional aircraft and insisted the object's behavior was unusual, specifically noting it did not follow the straight-line path of a satellite. The witness submitted photographs and negatives to the Air Force for analysis. The Foreign Technology Division (FTD) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base investigated the report under Project 10073. Major Hector Quintanilla, Jr., Chief of Project Blue Book, initially requested the witness fill out FTD Form 164 and submit the original negatives. Upon review, the FTD concluded that the object was likely a helicopter from Ramey Air Force Base, stating that the flight characteristics were consistent with an aircraft observation. The FTD returned the negatives to the witness, noting that no image of the object was visible on the film. The correspondence concludes with a formal letter from Colonel Eric T. de Jonckheere to the witness, reiterating the official assessment that the sighting was likely a helicopter and that no data supported the conclusion that it was not an aircraft.