Project 10073 Record — Ft. Pierce, Florida, 23 March 1966

This document contains a Project Blue Book record and associated correspondence regarding a sighting in Ft. Pierce, Florida, on March 23, 1966. Two young witnesses reported observing a bright object while walking through the woods. Initially, they suspected it was a rocket, but dismissed this because rockets were not typically fired to the south. They then considered the possibility that it was a balloon painted with fluorescent paint. As they approached, the object became increasingly bright until they could no longer look at it. They observed it hovering and eventually found it on the ground, at which point it exploded. The witnesses subsequently contacted local airports in Vero Beach, Palm Beach, and Miami to inquire about balloon launches, but all denied any activity. The witnesses wrote to the Air Force seeking an explanation. Major Hector Quintanilla, Jr., responded on April 29, 1966, stating that the account was too sketchy to evaluate and requested that the witnesses complete a formal report (Form 164). The case was officially closed as 'Insufficient Data' because the requested form was not returned within 30 days.