Tuscon, ArizonaApril 1949

On April 28, 1949, a civilian in Tucson, Arizona saw a large, sausage-shaped object in the sky. The observer was standing near the corner of East Hedrick Drive when he noticed the object at around 1745 (5:45 p.m.), initially because of sunlight reflecting off it. The object appeared to be about the size of a city block, was silvery in color, and seemed to be traveling at a high rate of speed across the sky. The observer watched it for approximately 12 minutes as it moved in a curved path from the southeast to the southwest before gradually fading from view. He estimated the object was traveling at over 500 miles per hour at an altitude of 5 to 10 miles.

At least three other witnesses also reported seeing the same object that evening. One observer described it as oval in shape and noted two circular holes near its front that resembled eyes from a distance. Another witness said it appeared cigar-shaped with rounded ends and seemed to be rotating slowly, similar to the roll of an airplane. None of the witnesses reported hearing any sound or seeing exhaust or vapor trails. All observers agreed the object did not resemble any conventional aircraft they knew of. One witness compared it in size to a B-29 (a large military bomber).

The Air Force investigation checked weather conditions, which were clear with excellent visibility. Officials also confirmed that no balloons or testing devices had been released in the Tucson area immediately before or during the sighting. American Airlines reported one DC-4 aircraft in the local area, but the timing and description did not match the unknown object. The Air Force evaluated all four witnesses as credible observers with good character, though some had limitations in their ability to judge speed and distance of moving objects.

The Air Force concluded this case as unidentified. The full case file of 27 pages is reproduced below as held by the National Archives.