Socorro Landing Site Traces
Type: Physical Evidence
Source: Investigating Officers
The April 24, 1964 Socorro Incident left distinct physical traces at the landing site that were documented by Officer Lonnie Zamora and subsequent investigators from the FBI, New Mexico State Police, and the U.S. Air Force’s Project Blue Book. The primary evidence included four shallow, trapezoidal depressions in the ground, arranged in a quadrilateral pattern approximately 13 to 15 feet apart, which were consistent with the weight of a landed object.
These impressions, each measuring about 8 to 19 inches long and 2 inches deep, showed earth pushed to the far side, suggesting an angled impact consistent with landing gear. Scorched vegetation, including burned greasewood bushes and singed soil, was found near and within these depressions, indicating heat from a propulsion source, though laboratory analysis detected no chemical propellant residues or abnormal radiation levels. Additionally, investigators noted three small, smooth circular marks in the sand nearby, which were interpreted as possible minor contact points or artifacts.
Evidence Files
