Project 10073 Record: UFO Observation and Photograph, Plaquemine, Louisiana, 3 September 1967

On September 3, 1967, at approximately 5:30 P.M., Charles W. Pierce of Plaquemine, Louisiana, observed and photographed an object he described as a glowing red, funnel-shaped, spinning object traveling in a northwesterly direction. Mr. Pierce, who possessed some experience in electronics and audio equipment, reported that the object moved at a fast forward speed and made no sound. He estimated the object was about 200 feet away. He submitted his report and a Polaroid photograph to the Department of the Air Force. The Foreign Technology Division (FTD) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base conducted a formal photo analysis of the submission. The analysis, documented in report 67-85, concluded that the image was a 'probable processing blemish.' The report noted that the image appeared generally triangular and that the photograph exhibited lateral image displacement consistent with camera movement or vibration during the exposure, likely due to the slow shutter speed of the Polaroid Swinger camera used. The analysts noted that if the object had truly been moving at a 'fast forward speed' as the witness claimed, the photograph would have shown significant motion blur, which was absent. Consequently, the Air Force concluded the sighting was likely a hoax or a photographic error, and the witness was informed of these findings in a letter dated December 30, 1967.