UFO Observation, 16 September 1967 — Columbia Falls, Montana

This document collection details the administrative handling of a UFO sighting report from 16 September 1967 in Columbia Falls, Montana. The initial report, transmitted via a military message from the 716th Radar Squadron, described a single object flying at approximately 40,000 feet in an East to West direction toward Whitefish, Montana. The witness, a civilian, observed the object for four minutes, noting that it flashed a light on and off and had a white, smoke-like haze beneath it. The documentation reveals a significant breakdown in the Air Force's investigative process. The Aerial Phenomena Office repeatedly contacted the 716th Radar Squadron, noting that the incident had not been investigated in accordance with Air Force Regulations 80-17 and 80-17A. Correspondence between Major Hector Quintanilla, Jr. and various personnel, including Major Arthur R. Sakaye and Captain Harry A. Kinnison, highlights that the report was never properly processed. Captain Kinnison, who was the UFO Project Officer at the time, explicitly stated he had no knowledge of the report and that it was never referred to him for action. Consequently, the case was never investigated, and the official conclusion recorded on the Project 10073 record was 'INSUFFICIENT DATA FOR EVALUATION.' The file includes multiple follow-up letters requesting that the squadron submit findings to the University of Colorado, which were ultimately met with the admission that no investigation had occurred.