Rectangular luminous UFO sighted at Sampson AFB in 1953

Summary

A large luminous rectangular object was observed at Sampson AFB, New York, on January 26, 1953. An airman watched it for one minute, describing it as moving from east to west across an arc of 70 to 80 degrees in a straight, shallow climb. The object appeared to gain altitude rapidly before fading away. A high-pitched humming sound was heard coming from it, which stopped abruptly after it disappeared. A theodolite was used to measure the angle of elevation, ruling out a star or balloon.

The official conclusion was that it was likely an aircraft, though no commercial flights were recorded in the area at the time. The report mentions a Boston Airlines flight might have been nearby, but this was not confirmed. The observer was deemed credible, and another person heard the sound, though they didn't see the object. Weather conditions were clear with good visibility, supporting the sighting's credibility.