Sioux City, IowaMarch 1950

Insufficient Data

Summary

On March 30, 1950, three civilian witnesses in Sioux City, Iowa reported observing one unidentified object through field glasses for about 10 minutes. The object appeared as a straight-edged ruler or square pattern and flew over the city before disappearing into the haze on an eastward heading. Witnesses reported the object had a metallic silver appearance, moved slowly while hovering, and was estimated at 20,000 feet altitude. No sound or exhaust was heard. The Air Force evaluated the sighting as a possible balloon based on the object's appearance, color, flight pattern, and slow speed consistent with balloon behavior.

Reported location

Sioux City, Iowa

Date of incident

March 1950

State / country

IA / US

Page count

3 scanned pages

USAF evaluation

unknown

Microfilm

T1206, Roll 7

Original case file scans

Original case file · scanned by NARAPage 1 of 3

View transcribed text

PROJECT 10073 RECORD

1. DATE + TIME GROUP
30 March 50 30/2440Z

2. LOCATION
Sioux City, Iowa

3. SOURCE
Civilians

4. NUMBER OF OBJECTS
One

5. LENGTH OF OBSERVATION
10 minutes

6. TYPE OF OBSERVATION
Ground-Visual (BX)

7. COURSE
WSW

8. PHOTOS
Yes
No

9. PHYSICAL EVIDENCE
Yes
No

10. CONCLUSION
Possible Balloon.

11. BRIEF SUMMARY AND ANALYSIS
Erratic action, one observer thought object a balloon. Color and flight in accord with this evaluation.

One group observed through field glasses while observers were watching geese. Object flew a square pattern over the city before disappearing into the haze.Observers were housed of the city. Description of the object by the three witness was conflicting but all said. 50,000 ft. Shape slender, round, one reported with pointed edge. The thought might be a Weather balloon. Size same as blunt edge. Color silver or metallic sheen. Speed was slow, hovering.

FORM
FTD SEP 43 0-329 (TDE) Previous edition of this form may be used.

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Source: National Archives Catalog · NAID 28937712