Description

Direct validated material from the National Archives of the United States. UFO encounter by the US military in northern Japan, 1950.

Source: https://catalog.archives.gov/id/333335840

AF FORM 112—PART I
Approved 1 June 1948
KE187324

Subject:
Unidentified Aerial Object

Area Reported On From (Agency):
40°30'N 141°30'E (https://www.google.com/maps/place/40%C2%B030'00.0%22N+141%C2%B030'00.…) | Hq Fifth Air Force, APO 710

Date of Report: 5 May 1950
Date of Information: April 1950
Evaluation: B2

Prepared By:
1st Lt. E. E. Swank, USAF
2nd Lt. James Henry Petty

Summary:

1. On 27 April 1950, at 1430 hours local time, 2nd Lt. James Henry Petty departed from Misawa Air Base in an F-80C to join his element leader over Camp Haugen at 25,000 ft. Lt. Petty was scheduled to fly as an observer while the element leader practiced instrument flying.

2. The F-80C was orbiting at 25,000 ft, indicating 320 mph, when the unidentified aerial object was observed at the 2 o'clock position, about 10 miles northeast of Camp Haugen. The object was first sighted at 1445 as Lt. Petty turned to intercept his element leader, who was circling to the left, approximately three miles ahead. Lt. Petty identified the lead aircraft by its nose color and noticed what appeared to be a target being towed. Knowing there was no aerial gunnery that day, he gained altitude to avoid hitting the supposed target and observed it closely for about two to three minutes.

3. The object was rectangular in shape, about 20 feet high, 60 feet long, and no more than 2 inches thick. It appeared to be made of muslin, cream-colored, with no reflections, and seemed to lack density.

4. The object tracked the element leader's aircraft, first appearing 1,000 feet below and behind, then accelerating to a level position. During the orbiting turn from 45° to 260°, the object accelerated to a new heading of 330°, breaking away at an estimated speed of 600 mph.

5. There was no visible exhaust or means of propulsion, and the object did not wave or flutter. It appeared to be flying at 275-300 mph when first observed, then accelerated to 600 mph as it broke away.

6. Lt. Petty initially thought he might be experiencing hypoxia and increased his oxygen to 100%. However, he joined his element leader without erratic behavior, and there were no signs of hypoxia.

7. Lt. Petty's statements were considered conservative and thoughtful.

Declassification Authority: NND 57565

AF FORM 112—PART II
Approved 1 June 1948

Hq Fifth Air Force, APO 710
Report No.: INT TR-U/AC-10

The pilot did not get overly excited on observing the object but tried his best to maintain composure and accurately report his observations.

Declassification Authority: NND 57565

US government validated UFO reports:

1. The Harvey UFO Sighting of 1948, United States military over Japan, validated documents in US National Archives. (https://www.reddit.com/r/UFOs/comments/1g8v60u/the_harvey_ufo_sightin…)
2. The Petty UFO Sighting of 1950, United States military over Japan, validated documents in US National Archives. (https://www.reddit.com/r/UFOs/comments/1g8who3/the_petty_ufo_sighting…)