Here is a summary of the key points from the GAO report on the search for records concerning the 1947 crash near Roswell, New Mexico:
- On July 8, 1947, the Roswell Army Air Field (RAAF) public information office reported the crash and recovery of a “flying disc.” The next day, the military announced it was actually a crashed weather balloon.
- The report details the requirements in 1947 for reporting air accidents similar to the Roswell crash. The Army required air accident reports be kept permanently. The Air Force said there was no requirement to report a weather balloon crash.
- The GAO searched extensively for government records related to Roswell, including classified documents from 1947-1950s and records at archives, federal agencies, and military bases. Some RAAF records were found to be destroyed without explanation.
- Two records were found related to the incident:
- A July 1947 history report by the 509th Bomb Group stating RAAF had recovered a “flying disc” that was later determined to be a radar-tracking balloon.
- A July 8, 1947 FBI teletype message saying the military reported recovering a weather balloon with radar reflector.
- Other records reviewed, including USAF analysis of UFO sightings, did not mention the Roswell crash. Responses from federal agencies also produced no further records related to the incident.
- The GAO concluded “we found no government records on the Roswell crash” beyond the two mentioned. They were unable to locate documentation of any records being destroyed related to Roswell specifically.
In summary, the GAO uncovered no evidence confirming or refuting the original Roswell incident, other than the two consistent reports that it was ultimately explained as a weather balloon. The lack of documentation prevents definitive conclusions.
