Project 10073 Records and Correspondence — Orlando, Florida, May 1966

This document collection contains a series of reports and correspondence regarding multiple Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) sightings in the Orlando, Florida area during May 1966. The records, compiled by the 1360th Air Base Group at Orlando Air Force Base, detail several distinct incidents. One report describes an object observed on 7 May 1966 for two to three hours, characterized by erratic movements and flashing lights. Another incident on 22 May 1966 involved three yellow-orange objects observed by a commercial pilot, which were later suggested to be birds. A third incident on 9 May 1966 involved two witnesses observing lights for 50 minutes, which the Air Force concluded had insufficient data for a definitive explanation, noting the possibility of stars or planets. The documents include official Project 10073 records, internal Air Force messages, and a newspaper clipping from the Orlando Sentinel dated 10 May 1966, which reported that hundreds of residents had seen 'weird objects' hovering over the landscape. The Air Force investigation included checks with local FAA authorities, McCoy AFB, and Naval Air Station Sanford, all of which reported nothing unusual. Notably, the Air Force investigator, MSgt Charlton K. Browning, observed that a local radio station, WHOO, was running UFO-themed contests, which likely contributed to the high volume of reports and increased public interest in the subject. The files conclude with correspondence from Major Hector Quintanilla, Jr., Chief of Project Blue Book, requesting further information from witnesses to facilitate proper evaluation.