Washington DC UFO Flap 1952: Complete Analysis
Quick Answer
The Washington DC UFO flap of 1952 occurred July 12-29 when unidentified objects were tracked by radar over the U.S. Capitol and Pentagon. Air traffic controllers, pilots, and military personnel witnessed the objects, leading to fighter intercept attempts and the largest Air Force press conference in history to address the incidents.
The 1952 Washington UFO Events
What happened during the Washington DC UFO flap?
The Washington DC UFO flap represents the most significant UFO incident over the nation's capital:
July 19-20, 1952 (First Weekend):
- Washington National Airport radar detected 7 unknown objects
- Objects appeared on radar screens for 6 hours
- Air traffic controllers observed visual lights corresponding to radar targets
- Commercial airline pilots reported seeing unusual lights
- Objects tracked moving at speeds from 100-7,200 mph
July 26-27, 1952 (Second Weekend):
- More intensive UFO activity over Washington area
- Multiple radar systems confirmed unknown objects
- F-94 interceptor jets scrambled from New Castle Air Force Base
- Pilots unable to locate objects despite ground radar contact
- Objects appeared to evade pursuing aircraft
Military and Government Response
How did the military respond to the Washington UFO sightings?
The Washington UFO incidents triggered the largest military response to UFO activity in U.S. history:
Immediate Military Action:
- Fighter jets scrambled for intercept missions
- Multiple radar installations coordinated tracking
- Pentagon officials briefed on ongoing incidents
- National security assessment conducted
- Media inquiries managed through official channels
July 29, 1952 Press Conference:
- Largest Air Force press conference in history held
- General John Samford addressed national media
- Temperature inversion cited as explanation
- Press and public remained skeptical of official explanation
- Case became catalyst for expanded UFO investigation
INCIDENT DATES: JULY 12-29, 1952
LOCATION: WASHINGTON DC AIRSPACE
RADAR CONFIRMATION: MULTIPLE SYSTEMS
STATUS: HISTORICALLY SIGNIFICANT UFO FLAP
LOCATION: WASHINGTON DC AIRSPACE
RADAR CONFIRMATION: MULTIPLE SYSTEMS
STATUS: HISTORICALLY SIGNIFICANT UFO FLAP