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This NICAP-hosted compilation of Project Blue Book records covers the Air Force investigation of policeman Lonnie Zamora's 24 April 1964 sighting at Socorro, New Mexico. It includes Foreign Technology Division teletypes, a resume and narrative of the sighting, Capt Hector Quintanilla's memos, and letters to Project Cloud Gap and the FAA. Investigators found no radiation, no foreign material in soil samples, and no helicopter or radar explanation. They concluded that a real object was seen, possibly a VTOL or lunar module type vehicle, and left the case open.
“Socorro, New Mexico”12 pages
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UFO sighting. The data was collected and no positive conclusion reached. On Tuesday, 28 April 1964, Capt Quintanilla directed Doctor J Allen Hynek to Socorro to obtain additional data. Composite results of the investigation by Capt Holder, Sgt Moody, Dr Hynek and Major Conner indicated that the attached narrative depicts the true circumstances of the sighting. ## b. Specific Findings from Efforts to Date: (1) On the evening of 24 April 1964 Sgt Chavez of the New Mexico State Police accompanied by Agent Burns of the FBI and Capt Richard Holder conducted a search of the area surrounding the sighting. There were no automobile tire markings or markings of any sort in the area other than those located at the site of the alleged landing and so noted in Capt Holder's report. (2) Radioactivity: Major Conner and Sgt Moody checked the area for radiation. There was no radioactivity in the area of the sighting. (3) Helo Activity: A check was made to determine if any helicopter activity was in the area at the approximate time of the sighting. This check was conducted at White Sands by Capt Holder who talked with the pilots and operational personnel. All helicopters at White Sands were in the hangars at the time of the sighting. Sgt Moody checked all AHS helicopters at Kirtland AFB and the landing gear did not coincide with the marks on the ground. Helo activity was checked within a radius of 300 miles including Biggs AFB at El Paso with negative results. All military helos including those associated with Project Cloud Gap have been eliminated as a possible cause of the sighting. However, civilian helicopter activity was not completely determined. (4) Radar Surveillance of the Area: Capt Holder contacted radar sites at White Sands and Almagordo. He was informed that there was no unidentified activity in the area during the time of the sighting. (5) Soil Samples: The soil samples obtained at the sighting were given to Dr J Allen Rynek by Capt Holder. They were turned over to Captain Quintanilla who in turn submitted them to ASD for analysis. Laboratory analysis of the soil was completed on 19 May 64. It included spectrographic analysis which revealed that there was no foreign material in the soil samples. Also, no chemicals were detected in the charred or burned soil which would indicate a type of propellant. There was no significant difference in elemental composition between the different samples.
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