UFO 1950, USAF pilots report in New Mexico

Summary

In February 1950, two U.S. Air Force pilots reported an unusual aerial phenomenon near Otto, New Mexico. Although they did not see the object directly, they described a brilliant flash that illuminated their cockpit. This aerial report coincided with another sighting from the ground at Kirtland AFB, where observers saw a reddish-green fireball. Both cases were recorded under Project 10073, suggesting a possible connection between the events. The estimated speed of the object was 1000 to 1200 mph, an impressive figure for a meteor or natural phenomenon.

The report, marked as restricted, includes details such as the object's direction (east to west and southeast to east) and its relative size to the evening star. Despite the lack of photos or sketches, the data align in time and location, indicating a coherent observation. The records suggest the phenomenon was classified as astronomical, possibly a meteorite, though the absence of images and some data ambiguities leave room for doubt. This case is an example of how UFO reports from the era were treated with caution but also scientific interest.