The 1952 Washington D.C. UFO Flap

In July 1952, unidentified flying objects appeared over Washington D.C. on two consecutive weekends, triggering jet intercepts and prompting the largest Air Force press conference since World War II. The sightings rattled the American establishment.

The First Weekend

On July 19-20, air traffic controllers at Washington National Airport tracked unknown objects on radar traveling at speeds impossible for 1952 aircraft, then hovering, then accelerating again. Visual observers confirmed lights in the sky matching the radar returns. F-94 jets were scrambled but couldn’t catch the objects.

The Second Weekend

On July 26-27, the objects returned. Again, radar tracked them; again, observers confirmed visual contact. Again, jets were scrambled and outpaced. At one point, the objects surrounded an F-94, then vanished when the pilot broke toward them.

The Press Conference

On July 29, the Air Force held a press conference to address the sightings. Major General John Samford attributed the radar returns to temperature inversions causing false returns. His explanation satisfied few observers who had seen the lights with their own eyes.

The Investigations

Project Blue Book investigated but never reached a satisfying conclusion. The CIA was concerned enough to establish the Robertson Panel to study the UFO phenomenon and recommend methods for debunking reports to reduce public interest.

Assessment

The Washington D.C. flap represented a moment when UFOs literally flew over the seat of American power. The combination of radar confirmation, visual observation, and failed intercepts demonstrated that whatever the objects were, they operated beyond American technological capability.