Project 10073 Record — Sacramento, California, January 1969

On January 9, 1969, at 0500Z, a sighting of an unidentified aerial phenomenon occurred in Sacramento, California. The incident was reported by a witness, Mr. Plourde, and observed by an officer (Badge Nr 332) who was on duty at the time. The object was described as a bright, glowing orange, circular light. Its behavior was characterized as erratic, moving straight forward before stopping, performing quick maneuvers to the right and left, and finally dropping and disappearing after a duration of 20 minutes. The object was observed at an elevation of 35 to 40 degrees at the horizon. Weather conditions at the time included a temperature of 35 degrees Fahrenheit and 20 miles of visibility. SSgt Ronald L. Crawford of the SMAMA Command Post conducted an initial investigation, which included inquiries with the FAA, Mather and McClellan AFB operations and towers, and Vandenberg AFB, but found no conventional explanation for the sighting. However, Officer Kidd, an ex-tower controller, noted that he had observed the object approximately 15 minutes prior to the report, describing it as having bright landing lights but being orange in color. The official conclusion reached in the Project 10073 record was that the object was a 'probable (HOT AIR BALLOON),' noting that the description was similar to that of a 'Garment Bag Hot Air Balloon.'