Richland: F-94 spots large round object over Hanford
An F-94 pilot and radar observer from Moses Lake AFB sighted a large white round object with reddish lights over the Hanford nuclear plant. Ground control saw no other aircraft, but airborne radar locked on before the object evaded pursuit.
Background
Sighting and Pursuit
At 7:15 p.m. on December 10, 1952, the pilot and radar observer of an F-94 fighter patrolling from Moses Lake AFB, now Grant County International Airport, observed a bright light over the Hanford nuclear facility near Richland, Washington. The aircraft was flying at an altitude of 26,000 feet. They contacted ground control, which reported no known aircraft in the area, while its ground radar showed nothing.
Object Description and Maneuvers
The object appeared large, white, and round, with a faint reddish glow emanating from two openings. Visual contact was lost, but the aircraft's ARC-33 radar detected and tracked it. As the aircraft approached, the object reversed direction and descended. Several attempts to pursue it failed as it changed course and created a risk of collision, forcing the crew to take evasive action.
Witnesses and Evidence
The primary witnesses were the pilot and radar observer, whose names were not given. The account was supported by ground communications and the radar lock. The event is cited in accounts by NICAP, Sparks, Ruppelt, McDonald, Condon, CUFOs, Keyhoe, and Shough. It represents an early radar-visual encounter near a sensitive facility, involving maneuvers relevant to aviation safety.