DOW-UAP-D163, Air Intelligence Information Report, Sweden, 1953

Official Conclusion

Unresolved; Swedish Defense Staff stated it was not a Swedish aircraft and the investigation was ongoing.

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 December 17, 1953, incident near Hässleholm, Sweden, translated from a local media report. At 1437 hours, Transair chief pilot Captain Ulf Christiernsson and crew chief Olle Johansson reported observing an object approaching their DC-3 from the opposite direction, approximately 600 meters (1,969 feet) below their aircraft, which was flying at about 2,150 meters (7,054 feet). The aircrew described a “shining metal spherical elliptical object” and estimated its speed as approximately the speed of sound. Christiernsson described the object as strongly metallic, nearly round, and slightly elliptical. He reported that it remained visible for six to seven seconds, produced no visible exhaust or condensation trail, and initially appeared to him to be a jet or possibly an unmanned “robot.” The Swedish Defense Staff reportedly identified no Swedish aircraft in the area at that time and stated that it would examine possible radar observations. The report also includes a brief character sketch of Christiernsson based on the account of a personal contact, who characterized him as “most untrustworthy,” and notes that Swedish authorities had begun an investigation into the incident. 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. AARO Comment: Based on the reported aircraft altitude and relative separation, the object’s reported altitude was approximately 1,550 meters (5,085 feet). Under standard atmospheric conditions, the speed of sound at that altitude is approximately 748 mph.

Key Findings

• →On 17 December 1953 at 1437 hours, Transair DC-3 chief pilot Capt. Ulf Christiernsson and crew chief Olle Johansson saw an unknown shining metallic, nearly round, slightly elliptical object near Hässleholm, Sweden.
• →The object passed in the opposite direction about 600 m below the aircraft (flying at about 2,150 m), at an estimated speed of sound, and was visible for six to seven seconds, with no exhaust gases or condensation trails.
• →The Swedish Defense Staff said no Swedish aircraft were in the area, and Air Force Chief Gen. Nordenskiöld said the object could not have been a Swedish aircraft and that radar records were being checked.
• →A source in the Royal Swedish Air Board described Christiernsson as well-liked but 'most untrustworthy', dismissed from a prior job for 'financial difficulty', and personally doubted his story.
• →The U.S. Assistant Air Attaché noted the Swedish investigation was continuing and that his office would seek further information.

Extracted Entities