Project 10073 Record: UFO Sighting, Bayside, Queens, New York, October 1, 1967

This document file contains the records of a UFO sighting reported by a resident of Bayside, Queens, New York, on October 1, 1967. The observer, who identified himself as having prior military experience in the Navy, reported seeing a flying disc with rotating lights for approximately 45 minutes between 2100 and 2145 hours. The witness described the object as having red and white lights, moving at an estimated speed of 30 to 50 mph at an altitude of 1500 to 2000 feet. The observer also noted that while the object was circling, his television picture became distorted. The Air Force's Aerial Phenomena Office, led by Lt. Col. Hector Quintanilla, Jr., investigated the report. They contacted the Queens Police Department, which confirmed that no reports of unusual objects were received from the area on that date. The Air Force ultimately concluded that the sighting was likely an electrical aerial advertising sign attached to a slow-moving aircraft or helicopter, noting that such signs are often reported as UFOs and can cause television interference. The file includes correspondence between the Air Force and the witness, as well as the official inquiry sent to the local police department.