Project 10073 Record — Bakersfield, California

This document contains records and correspondence regarding two unidentified aerial phenomena sightings reported by a civilian in Bakersfield, California, in August and September 1965. The first incident, occurring at 4:30 AM in August, involved a slow-moving aircraft at an estimated altitude of 500 feet, emitting a loud noise described as being produced by a propeller-driven aircraft with adjustable pitch props. The witness noted yellow-orange lights with fuzzy edges pointing toward the ground. The second incident occurred on the evening of September 1, 1965, where the witness observed a high-flying object with red and green lights. The Foreign Technology Division of the Air Force Systems Command evaluated these reports. They concluded that the first sighting was consistent with a night photo mission utilizing infra-red equipment, with the noise attributed to an onboard generator. The second sighting was attributed to a test aircraft flying at high altitude, a conclusion supported by a Mr. Haberman. The correspondence includes a formal reply from Lt. Colonel John P. Spaulding to the witness, thanking them for their report.