Silvery ovular object descending at Rogers Dry Lake — Muroc AAF (Incident #4)

On July 8, 1947 at 1450, Captain John Paul Stapp (Flight Test) observed from an observation truck at Area #3, Rogers Dry Lake, a silvery object at 20,000 ft that resembled a parachute canopy at first, then assumed an ovular shape with two projections on the upper surface (possibly fins or nobs) that crossed at intervals suggesting rotation or oscillation. It drifted against the prevailing wind slightly north of due west toward Mount Wilson before being lost at mountain-top level. It descended at three times the rate of a parachute. No smoke, flames, propeller arcs, engine noise, or exhaust were noted. The observer concluded it was a man-made object.

“As this object descended through a low enough level to permit observation of its lateral silhouette, it presented a distinct ovular outline, with two (2) projections on the upper surface which might have been thick fins or nobs. These crossed each other at intervals, suggesting either rotation or oscillation... No smoke flames, propellar arks, engine noise, or other classifiable or visible means of propulsion were noted.”

Captain John Paul Stapp is a notable figure in aerospace medicine (later famous for rocket sled experiments). Object drifted against prevailing wind, ruling out uncontrolled balloon. At least one other civilian witness from Wright Field present (identified as Mr. Lens). Observed for only 9 seconds.