Elliptical aluminum-like object, billowy flame — Los Alamos (Mar 8 1949)

On 8 March 1949, an AEC Security Service Inspector on duty at Los Alamos reported observing an elliptical, stubby, aluminum-like body surrounded or covered with billowy flame. The observer noted possible projections resembling control surfaces and wings but could not confirm these details. The object was described as resembling the aft section of a wartime German aircraft. It followed a slightly descending path without producing sound and disappeared behind clouds.

“"The object appeared to be an eliptical, rather stubby, aluminum body surrounded or covered with billowy flame. There may have been projections similar to stubby control surfaces and wings, but the observer could not be sure of this. The observer described the object as looking rather like the part of a wartime German airplane from the cockpit aft. It disappeared behind the clouds. The path was slightly descending; there was no noise."”

Single witness — AEC Security Inspector (considered reliable). Physical description is unusual and specific: aluminum ellipsoid with billowy flame suggests possible powered vehicle rather than natural phenomenon. Mention of German-aircraft resemblance is noteworthy in the context of postwar interest in German aerospace technology. No corroborating witnesses noted in the document. Confidence moderate.