The Socorro UFO Landing

On April 24, 1964, Socorro Police Officer Lonnie Zamora pursued a speeding vehicle when he was diverted by a roaring flame in the desert. What he discovered became one of the most thoroughly investigated and credible UFO landing cases in history.

The Encounter

At approximately 5:45 PM, Officer Zamora was chasing a speeder south of town when he heard a roar and saw a flame descending toward an area where a dynamite shack was located. Concerned about an explosion, he abandoned the pursuit to investigate.

Driving up a rough gravel road, Zamora saw a white, egg-shaped object about 150-200 yards away, resting on the ground. Near it stood two small figures in white coveralls—he initially thought they might be children.

As he approached, one figure appeared to notice him. Zamora drove closer and exited his car. The object began to roar and emit flame from its underside. Zamora fled, stumbling and losing his glasses, as the object rose slowly then accelerated away to the southwest.

The Object

Zamora described:

• White, egg-shaped or oval craft
• Approximately 15-20 feet long
• Resting on leg-like landing gear
• Red insignia on the side (an inverted V with bars)
• Roaring sound during takeoff
• Blue-orange flame beneath

Physical Evidence

When Zamora returned with Sergeant Chavez, they found:

• Burned brush and grass where the flame had been
• Four depressions in the ground matching landing gear positions
• Marks in the soil consistent with landing pad impressions
• Smoldering vegetation

FBI and Air Force investigators documented the physical traces before they could be contaminated.

Investigation

The Socorro case received extensive official investigation:

Project Blue Book: Dr. J. Allen Hynek investigated personally and found Zamora credible. The case was classified “unknown.”

FBI: Agent Arthur Byrnes investigated and concluded Zamora was telling the truth.

Multiple Agencies: Representatives from various government agencies examined the site.

Zamora’s Credibility

Lonnie Zamora was considered an exemplary witness:

• Longtime, respected law enforcement officer
• No history of UFO interest or claims
• Reluctant to discuss the incident
• Maintained consistent account until his death
• Passed polygraph examination

He never sought publicity and reportedly wished the incident had never happened due to the attention it brought.

The Insignia

The red symbol Zamora observed on the craft—described as an inverted V with three lines across it—has never been identified. Some researchers have attempted to match it to corporate logos, Air Force markings, or other symbols without success.

Theories

Experimental Aircraft: Some suggest Zamora witnessed a secret military test. However, no program has been identified that matches the description.

Hoax: Project Blue Book’s chief debunker Philip Klass suggested a hoax by local college students, but no evidence supported this and the physical traces argued against it.

Extraterrestrial Craft: The case is frequently cited by UFO researchers as potential evidence of alien visitation.

Legacy

The Socorro landing remains one of the most credible UFO cases due to:

• Single, highly credible witness
• Physical trace evidence
• Official investigation
• Consistent account over decades

Dr. Hynek considered it one of the most puzzling cases he investigated and remained unable to explain it conventionally.