The Washington UFO Flap

In July 1952, unidentified flying objects were detected on radar and observed visually over Washington D.C. on two consecutive weekends. The sightings occurred in restricted airspace over the White House and Capitol. Jets were scrambled. The Air Force held a major press conference.

The First Weekend

On the night of July 19, 1952, air traffic controllers at Washington National Airport detected unknown targets on radar. The objects maneuvered in restricted airspace. Visual observers confirmed bright lights moving erratically. Jets were scrambled but could not catch the objects.

The Second Weekend

On July 26-27, the objects returned. Radar again tracked unknowns. Jets were scrambled multiple times. Pilots reported seeing lights but could not intercept them. The objects seemed to appear and disappear at will.

The Press Conference

On July 29, the Air Force held its largest press conference since World War II. General John Samford explained the sightings as temperature inversions causing radar anomalies and misidentified lights. Many observers rejected this explanation.

The Controversy

Temperature inversions cannot explain objects tracked by multiple radar stations, observed visually, and moving against the wind. The performance of the objects, including speeds and accelerations, exceeded any known aircraft.

The Impact

The Washington sightings shocked the nation. The Air Force faced criticism for its inadequate response. The CIA became involved in UFO investigation. The events remain among the most significant in UFO history.

Assessment

The Washington UFO Flap demonstrated that unidentified objects could penetrate the most restricted airspace in the nation with impunity. Whatever flew over the capital in July 1952 has never been explained.