Enclosed Statement

FROM: R.N.Z.A.F. Station, Whenuapai.
TO: Air Headquarters, Wellington. (Attention D of I).
DATE: 13th April, 1955.
REF: WH:021 / 5 / AIR

SIGHTING OF UNIDENTIFIED OBJECT

1. Attached is a copy of a report from Sgt / Nav. McMurtrie concerning the sighting of an unidentified object in the vicinity of Gisborne on March 31st, 1955.

2. Sgt/Nav. McMurtrie is not given to romancing, the report is therefore forwarded for your information.

(A.P. GAINSFORD, Wg.Cdr.)
for Group Captain, Commanding,
R.N.Z.A.F. Station, Whenuapai

Report

R.N.Z.A.F. Station,
WHENUAPAI

4th April, 1955

AFTER FLIGHT REPORT

Sir,

I have the honour to report that while acting as Navigator on NZ 5904 (Capt. F/O CHEAL) on a Night Cross Country which departed from Whenuapai at 311950M, I sighted an unidentified object flying on a course of 270ºT and at about 12,000' in the vicinity of Gisborne. We were at 9000' on a course of 037ºT and whilst taking a relative bearing on Gisborne at 2135M I noticed a large blue light approaching from 045º REL. There was 8/8 Altostratus cloud base at about 15000' and the object crossed our bow at considerable speed in a flat flight path. The Captain was adjusting the auto-pilot at the time of sighting, and by the time I had drawn his attention to the object, it had vanished towards Lake Taupo.

I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant
(IAN McMURTRIE)
Sgt. Navigator.

The Commanding Officer,
R.N.Z.A.F. Station,
Whenuapai

Response

FROM: AIR DEPARTMENT, WELLINGTON.
TO: R.N.Z.A.F. STATION, WHENUAPAI.
DATE: 15th APRIL 1955.
REF: 39/3 /3

SIGHTING OF UNIDENTIFIED OBJECT

Your letter WH.C21/3 /5/3 /AIR of the 13th April 1955, containg [SIC] a report of an unidentified flying object seen by SgtNav. McMurtrie has been read with interest.

It has not been possible to explain this incident but it appears probable that it was a meteorite. The sensible and rational reporting of similar occurrences by aircrews will be welcomed.

(RONALD E. GOLDING) Flt.Lt.
for Wing Commander.
DIRECTOR OF INTELLIGENCE