The Washington National Airport Sightings

On July 19-20 and July 26-27, 1952, air traffic controllers at Washington National Airport tracked unidentified objects on radar while airline pilots reported visual sightings. F-94 jets were scrambled but couldn’t intercept the objects. The incidents were part of the famous Washington D.C. UFO flap.

The First Weekend

July 19-20, 1952:

• Controllers spotted unknown returns
• Multiple targets appeared
• Speeds varied dramatically
• Objects over restricted areas
• Pilots confirmed visually

Air Traffic Control

Controllers at Washington National:

• Experienced professionals
• Tracked multiple objects
• Objects moved erratically
• Confirmed by Andrews AFB radar
• Genuine anomalies

The Radar Returns

Objects displayed:

• Variable speeds
• Some stationary, some fast
• Sudden direction changes
• Appearing and disappearing
• Unlike any aircraft

The Second Weekend

July 26-27, 1952:

• Objects returned
• Same patterns observed
• More jets scrambled
• Cat-and-mouse behavior
• National attention peaked

Jet Scrambles

F-94 interceptors:

• Were sent to investigate
• Pilots saw lights
• Couldn’t achieve intercept
• Objects would vanish when approached
• Returned when jets left

The Pentagon Response

Air Force held:

• Major press conference
• July 29, 1952
• General Samford spoke
• Attributed to temperature inversions
• Many remained skeptical

The Temperature Inversion Theory

Official explanation:

• Atmospheric conditions created false returns
• But controllers disputed this
• Visual sightings unexplained
• Not universally accepted
• Controversy continued

Air Traffic Controllers’ Position

The witnesses stated:

• Returns were solid
• Not weather artifacts
• They knew the difference
• Years of experience
• Something was there

National Security Concern

The sightings:

• Occurred over the Capitol
• Near the White House
• In restricted airspace
• Caused alarm
• Led to increased attention

CIA Response

The agency:

• Took note of public reaction
• Commissioned Robertson Panel
• Recommended downplaying
• Concerned about Cold War implications
• Influenced future policy

Significance

The Washington sightings are significant for:

• Radar and visual confirmation
• Nation’s capital location
• Jet scrambles documented
• Pentagon press conference
• Never adequately explained

Legacy

The 1952 Washington UFO incidents represent one of the most dramatic UFO events in American history. Objects tracked over the nation’s capital, jet scrambles, and an inadequate official explanation left lasting questions about what really happened those summer nights.