UFO formation over Fontana, California

Summary

On April 28, 1953, 1st Lt Ralph Scowden, an experienced pilot, reported seeing multiple glowing objects in the sky above Fontana, California. While flying a T-6 at 7,000 feet, he first spotted two amber lights that appeared to be in formation. These lights did not resemble conventional aircraft navigation lights, and as he continued to observe, more lights joined the formation, creating groups of up to 16 objects. The objects emitted no sound or exhaust, and showed no clear maneuvering. The formation moved southward, and as they approached Long Beach, Scowden noticed they disappeared into a haze layer. The official conclusion was that the lights were a mirage of ground lights, likely caused by a thermal inversion and a haze layer at 3,000 feet.

The report includes detailed information on the exact location, time, and duration of the observation, as well as a meteorological assessment. Despite Scowden’s attempt to confirm his sighting with Long Beach control tower, no physical or photographic evidence was found to support his testimony. The formation and behavior of the lights initially suggested a conventional aerial formation, but the absence of navigation lights and the unusual movement led to the hypothesis of an optical phenomenon. This case, like many from the era, was classified and later declassified decades later, offering insight into the Air Force’s investigations into unidentified flying objects.