Strange vapor trail over Los Angeles

Summary

In February 1963, a witness in Los Angeles described a strange vapor trail appearing about 50 miles west-northwest. The object remained stationary for six minutes and appeared vertical, drawing attention due to its unusual appearance. Although no photos or radar were used, the observer clearly saw it on a day with perfect visibility. The air base considered it possibly linked to a missile launched earlier in the Pacific Missile Range. Investigators concluded it was a contrail, not an unknown object.

The report was processed under Project 10073, a military initiative to document UFO sightings. Despite the observer lacking aviation expertise, their testimony was taken seriously. The in-charge officer, Howard E. Short, concluded the phenomenon had a natural origin. This case shows how even in the 1960s, military authorities carefully analyzed each report, always seeking a reasonable explanation before considering the inexplicable.