REF: UAP/1940s/013Unexplained
1947-06-24

Kenneth Arnold sighting

Mt. Rainier, WA · USA·Pilot sighting (origin of 'flying saucer')·1940s
Unexplained
§ ASummary

Private pilot Kenneth Arnold saw nine crescent objects flying in formation at estimated 1,200+ mph; press coined 'flying saucer'.

§ BWitnesses

Kenneth Arnold

§ CEvidence & Documentation

Arnold's written AAF report; contemporaneous press; 'The Coming of the Saucers' (1952)

§ DOfficial Investigation

Army Air Forces / Project Sign file

§ EStatus Assessment

Officially unexplained (Blue Book: mirage suggested; contested)

§ FVerifiable Sources

Project Blue Book file; Arnold & Palmer (1952); Bloecher, 'Report on the UFO Wave of 1947'