Project 10073 Record: Sighting Report - San Mateo, California, 4 December 1966

On December 4, 1966, at 0830Z, a civilian witness—identified as an FAA Air Traffic Controller at San Francisco International Airport—observed three brilliant lights in a V formation traveling westward over San Mateo, California. The witness described the objects as having red tops and orange bottoms, with orange droplets falling from the tail of one object. The observation lasted approximately 4 to 5 minutes. The witness reported the objects were silent and estimated their size to be comparable to a Boeing 707, flying at an altitude of 2000 feet. Following the report, an investigation was conducted by Captain James R. Whiting of the 78th Combat Support Group at Hamilton AFB. The investigation involved contacting Lick Observatory and Mr. David Wolfe of Dalmo Victor in San Carlos, California. Mr. Wolfe confirmed that a test flight was occurring during the time of the sighting. The aircraft involved was equipped with a glass bottom, TV cameras, and a high-intensity infrared light. The official conclusion reached was that the sighting was a result of this military aircraft testing, noting that the nature of the light, combined with the cloud cover in the area, produced an 'erie effect' for observers on the ground.