Project 10073 Record — Sighting in Temple, Oklahoma, 23 March 1966

On 23 March 1966, at approximately 0505 hours, a civilian instructor at Sheppard AFB, Texas, reported observing an unidentified object parked on U.S. Highway 70, near Temple, Oklahoma. The witness, who was driving at the time, stopped his vehicle to investigate. He described the object as being approximately 75 feet long, 8 feet high, and 12 feet wide, with the general appearance of a C-124 aircraft but lacking wings and motors. The object featured a plexiglas bubble on top, similar to a B-26 canopy, and bright forward and aft lights. As the witness approached, he observed a man wearing a baseball cap enter the object via steps from the bottom. Immediately after the individual entered, the object rose vertically from the pavement and departed in a southeasterly direction at an estimated speed of 720 mph. During its ascent, the object emitted a sound described as a high-speed drill combined with the sound of a welding rod arc. The witness reported that the object had no sharp edges and appeared solid. After the object departed, the witness continued driving for approximately 15 miles before encountering another individual who had also stopped to observe lights over the Red River, located five to six miles to the southeast. The Air Force conducted an investigation, contacting various military and industrial organizations in the area, including Camp Walters, Bell Helicopter, and Ling Temco Vault, to determine if any experimental aircraft were in the vicinity. All inquiries yielded negative results, as no aircraft were confirmed to be in the area at the time of the sighting. Consequently, the case was officially classified as unidentified by Project Blue Book.