38_143685_box_Incident_Summaries_173-233

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Incident: 223a

1st rum

At 2320 hours 5 December 1948, Captain VAN LLOYD, pilot of Pioneer Flight #63, reported by telephone to Kirtland AF Base Control Tower stating that he had seen a green light just west of Las Vegas at approximately 2135 hours. Pilot at first believed the light was a shooting star, but upon questioning thought it was too near the ground. Thought too it could have been a Very Pistol flare only it appeared much higher - about 500 ft. When he first observed the light it appeared to be coming straight toward the plane and he attempted to swerve to avoid the light; however, it then trailed off to the ground. The light was pale green and had a pale green trail, like that on a rocket.

See Report No. 223 for surrounding data.

2d rum

Later Capt VAN LLOYD and his co-pilot James L. Smith, were interviewed by S/A MELVIN E. NEEF, at Pioneer Airline Operations, Kirtland AF Base, Kirtland Fld, N. M. VAN LLOYD and SMITH advised that at 2135 hours 5 Dec 48 as they were approaching Las Vegas, N. M. in a C-47 type plane at an altitude of 9,000 ft (compass heading of 272°), they observed directly ahead and slightly above their altitude - in the vicinity of Monterezna Mission a phenomena which first appeared as a bright white flash - then an object came into view which was described as being a bright orange color. It first appeared to be coming directly toward their plane then arched downward and disappeared from sight. Was only in sight for a few seconds and no estimate could be made of size or distance.

NOTE: It is to be noted that there is a discrepancy in the color (also in the altitude - in the second report he states the object was a little higher than his plane - which was flying at 9,000 ft) First report was made to Kirtland AF Base Control Tower & second report was obtained by S/A MELVIN E. NEEF in a personal interview.