Report of Unidentified Flying Object Sighting — Jackson, Mississippi, May 17, 1967

This document details the investigation of an unidentified flying object reported by a government employee on May 17, 1967, near Jackson, Mississippi. The witness, a professional hydraulic engineer, observed an object while traveling east on Highway 80 at approximately 8:30 p.m. He described the object as having a four-sided, rotating band of yellowish lights, similar to a news-strip sign, and a separate, unblinking blue-green light. The witness initially suspected it was a blimp with an advertising display but could not confirm the shape of the craft itself. The observation lasted two to three minutes before the object moved eastward toward the horizon. Following the report, the Air Force initiated an inquiry with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) at Hawkins Field. The FAA confirmed that a Cessna 172, registered as N7215A and owned by Mr. W. J. Brennan of Radio Station WBAM, was operating over Jackson between May 15 and May 21, 1967, towing an electrical advertising sign. The Air Force concluded that while they could not definitively identify the specific object seen by the witness, the description provided was consistent with aircraft engaged in aerial advertising.