Annapolis, MarylandApril 1954

On the afternoon of April 13, 1954, three women driving on U.S. Route 2 between Annapolis and Pasadena, Maryland spotted three unusual objects in the sky. The objects appeared to be flying in formation near tree-top level. According to the witnesses, the objects were circular or steering-wheel shaped, with a dull yellowish color. The shapes seemed to shift, appearing round and then flat as if tilting, with an oval shape on top. The sighting lasted between 10 and 15 minutes. At one point, the objects formed what the witnesses described as a blinding flash of light and then seemed to explode before moving out of sight.

An aircraft pilot stationed over Chesapeake Bay, north of Annapolis, also observed the objects during the same time. The U.S. Air Force investigated the sighting and discovered that a radio transmission tower was being erected in the same area, roughly 2 miles northwest of Naval Air Facility Annapolis. Welding work was actively taking place on top of the tower at three different heights. Air Force investigators noted that the effect of the welding lights on the eyes at ground level was comparable to the phenomenon described by the three witnesses.

The case file does not state a final conclusion, though the Air Force's investigation appears to have focused on the tower construction as a potential explanation for what the witnesses saw. The full case file is reproduced below as held by the National Archives, totaling 9 pages.