Saucers Over Washington

1. Just before midnight on July 19, 1952, controller Edward Nugent at Washington National Airport spots seven unknown targets on radar. Radar at nearby Andrews Air Force Base also picks up targets.
2. Capital Airlines pilot S.C. Pierman reports fast, white, tailless lights. When F-94 interceptor jets finally arrive, the blips disappear from the screens.
3. A week later, on July 26–27, the targets return. Jet pilot Lt. William Patterson says he chased glowing lights at full speed but could not close on them. Headlines declare ‘Saucers Swarm Over Capital,’ and President Truman asks for answers.
4. At the Pentagon’s largest press conference since World War II, Maj. Gen. John Samford blames temperature inversions, layers of warm air that can create false radar echoes. Several of the radar operators involved never accepted that explanation.

Key witnesses: Edward Nugent and Harry Barnes (air traffic control), Capt. S.C. Pierman (Capital Airlines), Lt. William Patterson (USAF)
Status: EXPLAINED / DISPUTED