Oak Ridge: Radar UFO over restricted lab
On January 21, 1951, at 4:20 p.m., radar detected an unidentified object above the secure zone of Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee. An F-82 fighter attempted three intercepts but failed due to restricted airspace including the X-10 facility.
Background
Event
On January 21, 1951 at 16:20, a UFO was detected on the radar screen of an F-82 fighter over the restricted area of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee, USA. The object appeared to hover directly above sensitive areas, which led to immediate alert.
Response
Ground control gave clearance to pursue. The fighter's radar operator locked onto the target and several approach manoeuvres were initiated. Three passes were made in all, during which radar contact was held, but the interceptions were unsuccessful, as the target remained in the prohibited airspace including the X-10 facility. The pilot eventually returned to base.
Evidence and Witnesses
Primarily a radar-based sighting by military pilots; no visual confirmations are mentioned. Sources: NICAP report and Sparks (p. 107). The event is classified as a military encounter near a nuclear installation.
Significance
The case points to repeated UFO activity over US nuclear sites, with unsuccessful military responses on account of the restricted zones.