Project 10073 Record — Zionsville, Indiana, 11 August 1965

This document contains a Project Blue Book record regarding an unidentified aerial phenomenon reported on 11 August 1965 in Zionsville, Indiana. The witness, whose name is illegible in the provided scan, reported observing an elongated white object at night for a duration of 10 to 15 minutes. The observation was conducted using a 600-power telescope. The witness described the object as moving at estimated jet speeds of 400-500 mph, exhibiting jerky motions, and reversing its direction while traveling toward the North-Northwest. The witness also noted that the local weather bureau reported a clear sky with a temperature inversion. The official Air Force analysis, signed by Major Hector Quintanilla, Jr., noted that the duration of the sighting conflicted with the estimated speed and that the object's motion to the west ruled out a satellite. The investigator suggested that because the object was followed with a telescope, its speed was likely slower than the witness indicated. The Air Force concluded that there was insufficient data to rule out an aircraft sighting and requested that the witness complete and return FTD Form 164 for further evaluation. The case was officially carried as an aircraft sighting pending the receipt of additional information.