What did the declassified documents reveal?

1952-07-9615022-PHOENIX-ARIZ, a report submitted to the Air Force's 127th Pilot Training Wing in Phoenix, Arizona, on July 10, 1952. This document is notable for detailing a civilian's sighting of an unidentified flying object. The report was released through The Black Vault, an online archive of declassified documents, and can be found at https://archive.org/download/1952-07-9615022-PHOENIX-ARIZ/1952-07-9615022-PHOENIX-ARIZdjvu.txt. The report was submitted in compliance with Air Force Regulation 200-5, dated April 29, 1952. It was approved by Captain Stephen D. Rockstroh, Intelligence Officer, 127th Pilot Training Wing. Observation of unidentified flying object by civilian inhabitant of Phoenix, Arizona. Significance of this report is undetermined. APPROVED: b Lin wv Y hog ia srkenze De ROCKSTROH Captain USAF One (1) s Intelligence Officer Overlay for Sectional Aeronautical Chart 127th Pilot Training Wing "Phoenix"(Q 3) = 6 cys Original = D/I, DCS/O, Headquarters USAF, ATTN: AFOIN-C/CC 1 ce = Chief, ATIC, SPTNS aTIad~2e, Wright-Patterson 4F3, Ohio 2 cc =~ CG, Air Training Command, Scott 4eB, Belleville, Illinois 1 co = CG, Crew Training Air Force i 41et ding “ile Avis, Teste, com UNCLASSIFIED = 23 Lte Duane K. Uillcr, Officer, was con= tacted by tale e by Urs (phones on 2J Slchting an unidentified flying object. ious efvorts to contact ject were unsuccessful. 4 followeup investigation by thia office produced the fcllowing informations: 1. Sighted object was "ball of fire” shaped like a "flattened out crapefruit" with a platter cutting across its diameter. Object appearsd 7 to 8 inches in dia- meter to naked eye. Color was “like the yellow flame of a candle.” A trail of flame extended six to eight feet astern. Trail was broad as the object itself at the base, growing narrower and thinning down astern. Speed seemed "a little faster than search= lights (reflected) on clouds.” Object flew in shallow arc and disappeared when a house obstructed vision. 2. Ubject was sighted at about 0420 hours on 2 July 1952 for 3 to 4 minutes including observation of burning trail efter object had disappeared. 3. Cbye-vaticn was made visually from the ground. 4e Subject viewed phenomenon from front walk of residence at @apabes Avenues, Phoenix, arizona. Object waa observed in flight throuch 90° of compass, appearing first northwest and disappearing southwest. Various ancles of elevation froa the horizou are as follows: Northwest = 40° Jeab - 30° Southwest - 10 to 13° Distance of object estimated at 7 to 10 niles. de Subjeet volunteered inforvation that she is taresighted, has iived near reny air cases, frequently scans the si) she lizes to know what is psssing overhead, Subjects’ lusoend, Solan USA, Ordinance, had planned a trip with his wife. She had set her “rental slerm clock" to cet mp early. “he vent outside for air because 2he lsd fad trouble aleeping. 6. ‘ieatner conditions at “he tine of the sizhting vere reported aa follows: 2 Suly 1952 ‘ Tous Ceiling v4…

Why was this case declassified?

This material was released by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) through the U.S. declassification and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) process. The originating source document is linked on this page so the citation chain is auditable.

Declassified CIA File

◆ BLUF — The short version

1952-07-9615022-PHOENIX-ARIZ, a report submitted to the Air Force's 127th Pilot Training Wing in Phoenix, Arizona, on July 10, 1952. This document is notable for detailing a civilian's sighting of an unidentified flying object. txt. The report was submitted in compliance with Air Force Regulation 200-5, dated April 29, 1952.

Agency: Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
Date: JUL 18 · 2026
Release: Declassified · U.S. public record (FOIA)
Source document: View the primary source document

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1952-07-9615022-PHOENIX-ARIZ, a report submitted to the Air Force's 127th Pilot Training Wing in Phoenix, Arizona, on July 10, 1952. This document is notable for detailing a civilian's sighting of an unidentified flying object. The report was released through The Black Vault, an online archive of…

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Questions about this case

What was Declassified CIA File about?: 1952-07-9615022-PHOENIX-ARIZ, a report submitted to the Air Force's 127th Pilot Training Wing in Phoenix, Arizona, on July 10, 1952. This document is notable for detailing a civilian's sighting of an unidentified flying object. txt. The report was submitted in compliance with Air Force Regulation 200-5, dated April 29, 1952.
Why was this case declassified?: This material was released by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) through the U.S. declassification and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) process. The originating source document is linked in the case notes above so the citation chain is fully auditable.

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