Albuquerque: Radar target chased by F-86, shots fired
Radar at Kirtland AFB detects an unidentified object slowing from 700 to 100 mph. An F-86 pilot closes and opens fire; the object escapes rapidly, and the report is destroyed.
Background
Course of Events
At 10:00, radar near Kirtland AFB, Albuquerque, New Mexico detects an unidentified target approaching at 700 mph and then slowing to 100 mph northeast of the airfield. Two F-86 Sabre fighters are scrambled but at first cannot find the target.
Sighting and Pursuit
The second pilot suddenly spots an object that at first looks like a balloon, but on approach appears as a ring-shaped form without a hole. He closes to 1,500 feet, whereupon the object accelerates. At 3,000 feet distance he opens fire; the target pulls up steeply and disappears within seconds.
Aftermath and Cover-Up
Capt. Ruppelt receives the report from an intelligence officer (probably Lt. Glen Parrish), who intended to forward it to ATIC. The commander, Brig. Gen. William A. Matheny, orders it destroyed. Parrish shows Ruppelt the last copy during a visit. (Source: NICAP, Ruppelt pp. 1–5)