Project 10073 Record — Lake Carmel, New York, 1966

This document is a collection of records and correspondence regarding a series of unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) sightings reported in Lake Carmel, New York, between March 31, 1966, and July 7, 1966. The primary witnesses, a 19-year-old and a 52-year-old woman, reported numerous sightings of objects in the sky, often describing them as cigar-shaped or saucer-shaped, with colors ranging from yellow and red to blue and green. The witnesses provided detailed questionnaires and sketches, describing objects that appeared to move erratically, change shape, and occasionally emit a high-pitched whine. One witness compared the appearance of the objects to an 'upside down spoon' or 'July 4th fireworks.' The investigation was conducted by Lt. S. M. Nutter of the 4713th Defense Systems Evaluation Squadron at Stewart Air Force Base. In his summary, Nutter noted that while some sightings coincided with identified aircraft, many did not. He expressed skepticism regarding the witnesses, stating that the frequency of the reports made the situation 'suspect' and suggesting that 'hallucination has played a major part in this particular case.' Major Hector Quintanilla, Jr., Chief of Project Blue Book, also corresponded with the witnesses, requesting further information to evaluate the reports. The file includes multiple completed U.S. Air Force technical information questionnaires, hand-drawn sketches of the objects' flight paths and shapes, and logs of dates and locations of the sightings. The official conclusion remained that the objects were likely of natural origin, though the investigation was hampered by the lack of physical evidence and the subjective nature of the reports.