DOW-UAP-D159, Air Intelligence Information Report, Germany, 1953

Official Conclusion

No evaluation given; Soviets reportedly could not account for the red light.

Official Description

This document is an Air Intelligence Information Report (AIIR), a standardized U.S. Air Force reporting form used to record raw information of potential intelligence value for later analysis. The form served as a primary vehicle for U.S. Air Force field intelligence collection throughout the early Cold War, until defense-wide reporting standards were established in the early 1960s. This AIIR records a series of entries extracted from Tempelhof Airport air traffic control logs dated 10–11 August 1953 concerning aerial reports in the Soviet-occupied zone of Germany. The report states that a British European Airways DC-3 aircraft reported observing what the pilot described as red-colored rockets being fired approximately one mile in front of the aircraft while inbound to Tempelhof via the Center Corridor. It further states that the pilot of a second British European Airways DC-3 later reported a stationary, red-colored light approximately 20 nautical miles west of Genthin at an altitude of approximately 5,000 feet. The report also notes that British Berlin Air Safety Center stated that Soviet authorities had investigated the reported red light and could not account for it. A later Pan American pilot reported no corresponding light or activity when passing through the same area. All descriptive and estimative language contained in this report reflects the reporter’s subjective interpretation at the time of the event. Such characterizations should not be interpreted as a conclusive indication of the presence or absence of any intrinsic object features or performance characteristics.

Key Findings

• →On 10 Aug 1953 at 1936Z a BEA DC-3 (GALXK) inbound to Tempelhof via the Center Corridor reported red-colored rockets being fired about one mile in front of the aircraft.
• →At 2245Z a second BEA DC-3 (GAGIP) reported a stationary red light 20 nautical miles west of Genthin (5224N/1209E) at approximately 5,000-5,500 feet.
• →At 2315Z the British Berlin Air Safety Center reported the Soviets checked on the red light and could not account for it.
• →On 11 Aug at 0235Z Pan Am pilot Lesser saw no light or activity in the area but reported seeing ground-to-air firing there on 7 Aug 1953, which stopped as his aircraft approached.
• →The reporting office was unable to contact Pilot Lesser for further information; the report carries an evaluation of 'None'.

Extracted Entities