Project 10073 Record: UFO Sighting, 3 January 1966

This document is a collection of reports and correspondence regarding a UFO sighting that occurred on January 3, 1966. The primary report, filed under Project 10073, details an observation by a civilian witness who described a blue-white light traveling at a very high rate of speed. The witness, a former USAF 1st Lieutenant and systems analyst, reported that the object made a hissing sound and was described as having a star-like appearance with a needle-like nose. The observation lasted between 3 and 10 seconds. Subsequent reports in the file include accounts from other witnesses in the New York area, specifically near Islip and Pine Bush. These witnesses described the object as a saucer-shaped craft, large as a house, with a white-hot bottom and a small dome on top. One witness noted a bright beam of white light emanating from the bottom of the object, which appeared to be rotating counter-clockwise. The Air Force investigation, conducted by 2nd Lt. Steven M. Nutter of the 4713th Defense Systems Evaluation Squadron, concluded that the sightings were of unknown cause. However, the investigators suggested that the reports might be attributed to a high-performance aircraft flying at low altitude with landing or taxi lights illuminated. The report also notes that the observers' perceptions may have been influenced by recent media coverage of UFO sightings. The documentation includes official correspondence from the 4603rd Air Base Group at Stewart Air Force Base to the Air Force Systems Command, confirming the submission of the reports in accordance with Air Force Regulation 200-2.