Declassified UFO / UAP Document
Project 10073 Record — Benton, Illinois, March 1969
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AI-Generated Summary
A civilian report detailing three UFO sightings near Benton, Illinois, in March 1969. The Air Force concluded the sightings were likely aircraft due to the proximity of local airports.
This document consists of a Project 10073 record and a personal letter dated March 28, 1969, detailing multiple UFO sightings in the vicinity of Benton, Illinois. The author, a civilian, describes three separate incidents. The first occurred on March 1, 1969, at approximately 8:00 p.m., when a man and his son observed a large, elliptical-shaped object hovering over a wooded river-bottom area at an estimated altitude of 150 feet. The object was described as having a bright yellow top and bottom with a dark middle, and it emitted a light brighter than daylight. After remaining motionless with a pulsating light, the object departed at a high rate of speed. The second incident occurred on March 13, 1969, at 10:05 p.m., while the author was visiting relatives. The author observed a white object that appeared as a star in brilliance, which later changed into a blinking red light. The object traveled Northward before suddenly reversing direction and heading rapidly Southward. The author notes that the sky was clear and dismisses the possibility of balloons, satellites, or aircraft. A third incident is mentioned as occurring on March 26, 1969, at 7:15 p.m., where the author observed a bright object while driving, which subsequently vanished into thin air. The official conclusion provided on the Project 10073 form categorizes the sightings as 'Probable (AIRCRAFT),' citing the presence of two airports within 20 miles of the observation point.
No evidence presented to indicate object could not have been an aircraft. There are two airports within 20 miles of point of observation.
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Official Assessment
Probable (AIRCRAFT). No evidence presented to indicate object could not have been an aircraft. There are two airports within 20 miles of point of observation.
The official assessment suggests the sightings were likely aircraft, noting the proximity of two airports to the observation site.