Sandia Base, NM., September 1950September 1950

On September 29, 1950, at 4:45 a.m., a member of the U.S. Army stationed at Sandia Base near Albuquerque, New Mexico, spotted an unidentified object while driving a jeep in the Igloo Area of the base. The observer was traveling along a south road near the fence, heading east, when movement of light caught his attention.

The object appeared larger than a jet but smaller than a bomber. It had a bluish-yellow color, similar to engine exhaust, and seemed slightly oblong with a cut-off rear end that was producing flame and sparks. The observer estimated the object was about 6 miles away, positioned at roughly 50 degrees above the horizon and directly over Site A. It traveled northwest to southeast at an estimated speed of 350 to 400 miles per hour, remaining visible for only 3 to 4 seconds before disappearing over mountains to the south. There was no sound or odor associated with the sighting, and weather conditions at the time were clear with moonlight present.

The observer had previous Navy service and had received routine aircraft spotting instruction. According to the investigation file, no formal investigation was conducted beyond the initial interview, in accordance with Air Force security instructions at the time. The official USAF evaluation of this case appears not to be included in the file records.

The full case file, as held by the National Archives, is reproduced below and contains 7 pages.