Project 10073 Record: Sighting Report - Barre, Vermont, 20 April 1966

On 20 April 1966, two civilian housewives in Barre, Vermont, observed an unidentified flying object for approximately two to three minutes. The witnesses, who were speaking on the telephone at the time, reported seeing a white, pie-shaped object that appeared to be the size of a dime held at arm's length, though they estimated its physical diameter to be between two and three feet. The object was described as having a dangling protrusion on its underside and was observed rotating while moving in an erratic path from the southeast to the southwest and then to the east. The witnesses reported that the object moved with a vibrating motion and appeared to move fast at times before disappearing over trees and a hill. The weather conditions at the time were reported as very windy, foggy, and cloudy with some rain. Major Allen H. Doyle of the 380th Strategic Aerospace Wing (SAC) investigated the report. He noted that the witnesses, while sincere, lacked technical knowledge and were poorly oriented regarding their geographical location. Based on the description of the object's size, shape, color, and the presence of high winds, Major Doyle concluded that the object was likely a lightweight, saucer-shaped lid from a storage or refuse container, possibly made of styrofoam or plastic. He suggested that the wind caused the object to rotate and vibrate, creating the appearance of the maneuvers described by the witnesses.