Declassified UFO / UAP Document
Air Safety Incident Report: VTI-66/319
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AI-Generated Summary
A radar echo detected on April 3, 1966, near Tullamarine was investigated as an unidentified object. The Bureau of Meteorology concluded the object was a meteorological balloon released from R.A.A.F. Base, Laverton.
This document details an Air Safety Incident Report (VTI-66/319) concerning an unidentified radar echo observed on April 3, 1966. At approximately 2015 hours E.S.T., a radar operator named J. Reinmuth, utilizing CSF radar at Tullamarine, detected an object bearing 055 degrees at a distance of 54.5 nautical miles. The object was observed moving in a north-easterly direction at a speed of approximately 60 knots. The observation lasted from 2015 to 2027 hours. The Department of Civil Aviation requested an assessment from the Bureau of Meteorology regarding whether a meteorological balloon release could account for the sighting. The Bureau of Meteorology subsequently confirmed that the object's position and movement were consistent with a meteorological balloon with a radar reflector, released from the R.A.A.F. Base at Laverton, given the prevailing wind conditions at the time. Following this assessment, the incident was brought to the attention of regional radar controllers and officially closed with no further action intended.
The position and movement of the object were consistent with the time and release of a balloon and the winds which affected it at that time.
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Official Assessment
The object could have been a meteorological balloon, with radar reflector attached, which was released from the R.A.A.F. Base, Laverton. The position and movement of the object were consistent with the time and release of a balloon and the winds which affected it at that time.
The radar echo was identified as a meteorological balloon released from R.A.A.F. Base, Laverton, consistent with wind conditions.
Witnesses
Key Persons
- F.J. Swadlingfor Regional Director
- M. H. Lamondfor Regional Director, Bureau of Meteorology