Unidentified Aerial Phenomena in South Dakota, 1966

Summary

This declassified document presents two observations of unidentified aerial phenomena that occurred in South Dakota in October 1966. On October 3rd, several military observers reported seeing a bright orange, circular object, comparable in brightness to a sunset. Descriptions varied: some said it was descending, others ascending, and the observation time ranged from 5 to 75 seconds. Despite multiple witnesses, no physical evidence or photographs were found. Nearby aircraft were B-52s on training flights, but their description did not match the object, leading to confusion and contradictions.

The second observation occurred the following day, on October 4th at 02:35 UTC. A single observer reported seeing an object at low altitude, moving eastward, which disappeared suddenly. It did not exhibit characteristics of an airplane or a weather balloon. The report was passed through several levels of air command, including SAC and FTD, and a formal investigation was requested. The observer had never seen a similar object before, and no other witnesses were present, making verification difficult.

Both events were documented with care, but the origin of the objects remained unidentified. The reports reflect the uncertainty and the need for further analysis by military authorities at the time.