Flying Saucer Hoax in Pineville 1949

Summary

In July 1949, an article in the local Pineville News caused a stir by reporting the appearance of two unidentified flying objects described as "stove lids" floating at low altitude over Pineville, Louisiana. According to a witness, the objects were dark, seemed substantial, and moved quickly northward. However, the story didn't end there. A second report from Libuse described shiny, large saucer-like objects slowly gliding through the air. The coincidence of both testimonies generated interest, even mentioning a possible flying saucer convention.

An Air Force investigation revealed everything was a prank. The newspaper was informed by one of its employees that the article was false and unfounded. Although the hoax was presented as a harmless joke, no other individuals were named. Despite the case being quickly closed, the news generated a brief buzz during a time when UFO sightings were already a topic of discussion across the United States.