Project Blue Book Case File
Kirtland AFB, N.M., February 1950February 1950
Summary
On February 7, 1950, several people reported a fireball or unidentified object over the Albuquerque and Kirtland Air Force Base area in New Mexico. The investigation began with information from a university scientist. Witnesses included Air Force corporals on the ground and a captain flying as co-pilot in an aircraft.
The ground witnesses, near the base theater at about 7:55 p.m., described a single reddish-green object about twice the size of the evening star, with a round body and an elongated trail. It moved in a straight line from south-southeast toward the east at an estimated 40 to 45 degree elevation, with a bright reddish trail and no exhaust. It was in sight about four to six seconds and faded out.
The captain, flying between about 7:45 and 8 p.m. over an area near Otto, New Mexico, saw a flash that lit up his cockpit. He did not see a defined object, only a white fireball flash. He estimated it crossed the sky from east to west much faster than his aircraft, which was flying about 210 miles per hour at around 10,000 feet. The aircraft pilot confirmed the captain's account. Security officials at nearby sites had no information on the fireball.
Reported location
Kirtland AFB, N.M., February 1950
Date of incident
February 1950
State / country
? / XX
Page count
5 scanned pages
USAF evaluation
unknown
Microfilm
T1206, Roll 7