Project 10073 Record — Altavista, Virginia, 9 October 1966

This document comprises a Project Blue Book record and associated correspondence regarding a series of UFO sightings in Altavista, Virginia, in October 1966. The primary report, dated 9 October 1966, documents a sighting of 20 objects by a civilian witness. The witness, a 49-year-old woman who operates a beauty shop, reported observing objects that appeared as glowing white lights, roughly the size of a basketball held at arm's length. She described the objects as moving at tree-top level, performing sharp turns, and eventually 'evaporating.' The witness also claimed that these sightings were preceded by horizontal streaks appearing on her television screen, which she distinguished from lightning or ignition interference. Captain Frank C. Fox of the 4500th Air Base Wing conducted the investigation, noting that the witness appeared intelligent and provided detailed accounts. Despite the witness's claims that sightings were common in the area, the official conclusion reached by Major Hector Quintanilla, Jr., Chief of Project Blue Book, was that there was insufficient data for a formal evaluation. The witness was subsequently sent an FTD Form 164 to provide further information.