Project 10073 Record — Monsey, New York, 1 October 1966

On 1 October 1966, at 0145Z, two civilian witnesses in Monsey, New York, observed an unidentified aerial phenomenon. The witnesses, who were exiting their vehicle, described a football-shaped object that was initially traveling north at a low altitude. The object subsequently turned northeast, increased its speed, and climbed rapidly. During this maneuver, the witnesses reported that two red lights on the object appeared to merge into one. The object then reportedly struck a white, star-like object, resulting in a white flash, after which the football-shaped object shook and shuddered before ascending rapidly and disappearing into a cloud. The investigating officer, Captain William J. Archibald, conducted a telephone interview with the witnesses. He noted that both individuals were self-described UFO enthusiasts and were reluctant to accept conventional explanations for their experience. Captain Archibald concluded that there was no physical evidence to support the claim and that the available information was consistent with an aircraft observation, particularly given the presence of numerous air routes and airports in the vicinity and a strong temperature inversion layer at 4500 feet. The report was formally submitted by the Headquarters 4603D Air Base Group (ADC) to FTD (AFSC) on 23 November 1966 in accordance with AFR 80-17.