The Socorro Landing - Complete Account

On April 24, 1964, Socorro, New Mexico police officer Lonnie Zamora encountered an egg-shaped craft with two small beings near it. His immediate report, the physical evidence left behind, and the extensive investigations that followed make this one of the best-documented close encounters in UFO history.

Officer Zamora

Lonnie Zamora was with Socorro Police Department, an experienced officer with good reputation. He had no interest in UFOs and was a reluctant witness.

The Chase

On April 24, 1964, while chasing speeder, he heard loud roar and saw flame in sky. He abandoned chase and investigated.

What He Found

In the arroyo was an egg-shaped object, white and metallic, on legs or girders, with two small figures near the craft.

The Beings

Zamora observed two small figures in white coveralls with normal shape, near the craft. Then they saw him.

The Object

He described an oval or egg shape with smooth white surface, red insignia on the side, approximately 15-20 feet.

The Insignia

Zamora drew a red symbol with arrow-like design on the craft. His consistent description was never identified.

The Departure

As he approached, there was loud roar and blue and orange flame. The object rose, flew away rapidly, and left markings.

The Physical Evidence

At the site were four indentations in hard soil, burned brush, fused sand, all documented officially.

Sergeant Chavez

First responder arrived minutes later, found Zamora shaken, saw the marks, smelled smoke, and witnessed aftermath.

FBI Investigation

J. Allen Hynek from Project Blue Book personally investigated, found case compelling, called Zamora “unimpeachable,” and had no explanation.

Hynek’s Assessment

The astronomer was initially skeptical but thoroughly convinced. He found Zamora credible with evidence strong. This was a turning point.

Project Blue Book

Air Force concluded it was unexplained, one of few admitted. Evidence was documented, witness credible, with no conventional explanation.

Other Witnesses

Later came forward a tourist family who saw object in same area at same time, providing corroboration.

The Marks

Ground traces showed quadrupod landing with weight distribution. Soil analysis was consistent with craft as physical evidence.

Significance

Socorro is significant for police officer witness, physical evidence, immediate investigation, multiple confirmations, and Hynek conversion.

Legacy

The Socorro landing remains one of the cornerstone cases in UFO research. Officer Zamora’s credibility, the physical evidence, and J. Allen Hynek’s personal investigation combine to make this one of the most compelling close encounters on record.