APRG REPORTER

Magazine Overview

Title: APRG REPORTER
Issue: No. 65
Volume: Vol. 6
Date: February 1968
Publisher: Aerial Phenomena Research Group
Editor: Robert J. Gribble

This issue of the APRG REPORTER delves into various UFO sightings and related phenomena, featuring detailed witness accounts, expert opinions, and investigative reports.

Feature Article: Alien Craft Cuts Radio, Dims Lights on Airliner

The lead story details a startling encounter on a Faucett Peruvian Airlines DC-4 flight from Piura to Lima on February 2, 1968. Pilot Oswaldo Sanvitti alerted passengers and crew to a luminous, cone-shaped UFO skimming alongside the aircraft. The plane's radio suddenly went dead, and the cabin lights dimmed for approximately an hour as the craft performed various maneuvers, described as having a funnel-shaped bottom and estimated to be 230 feet in diameter. After vanishing with incredible speed, the radio and lights returned to normal. Shortly after, the craft reappeared with a second similar object, hovering before disappearing again with a burst of speed.

Upon landing at Lima, passengers and crew, including Jorge Santa Maria Calderon, dean of the School of Engineering at the University of Piura, and Elmer Nunez, managing editor of a newspaper, corroborated the details. Calderon, initially a skeptic, stated that the object's speed, size, shape, and method of flying were unknown to him as an engineer. Nunez expressed his conviction after the event, stating it scared him.

Captain Sanvitti speculated that the craft's reappearance might have been due to his radio message being intercepted. He noted that the radio did not go out the second time, suggesting the craft were aware of his communication.

Witness Accounts and Details

Captain Sanvitti further described the object as being about 8 miles from the plane, keeping pace, and exhibiting rapid up-and-down movements. He observed a bluish light at its top and a red light underneath, which changed color as it passed overhead. The craft then settled to keep pace on the plane's left side.

Newspaperman Elmer Nunez recounted the object's dizzying speed and described it as shaped like a spinning top, flashing orange lights on its underside. He noted that many passengers were scared, with some women near hysteria, though children found it enjoyable. Nunez regretted not having his camera with him.

Edwin Boris, the radio officer at the Lima control tower, confirmed he had lost contact with the plane and was worried. He stated he was ready to provide emergency services upon hearing Sanvitti's report.

Colonel Alberto Rosell, a Peruvian Army Colonel and passenger, also confirmed the details, calling the UFO of "unexplained origin." He and Dean Calderon requested investigations by military authorities and scientists, but with no results thus far.

Captain Sanvitti recalled a similar sighting in 1953 near Barcelona, Venezuela, where he saw an object resembling a silver plate.

Dean Calderon emphasized the alien nature of the object, its smoothness, maneuverability, and speed being beyond belief, and stated that the experience changed his viewpoint on UFOs.

Newfield, New York Sightings

The article notes continued sightings of alien craft in Newfield, New York, generating interest among residents and federal researchers, though no tangible evidence is available.

One report from two young boys, Donald Chiszar and Pat Crosier, described a silverish craft with white markings hovering across a road. They claimed to have looked through a window and seen a chamber with controls and two "creatures" standing inside.

Barbara Waris and her family reported sightings of numerous craft, initially a large white light, later described as having red and white flashing lights. Danny Jones and Peggy Bower reported a bright light that illuminated their car and followed them.

Dr. J. Allen Hynek, chairman of Northwestern University's astronomy department, commented on the boys' report, stating it was "not as wild a report as you might think."

Close Approaches Reported in Canada

Reports from Tway and Crystal Springs, Saskatchewan, Canada, on December 3 describe alien craft. John Hrytzak and Gary Kostiuk chased multiple craft, described as dome-like and red, with bright lights. One craft rested about 500 feet from them, illuminating the area. The craft moved with great speed and changed color, with no sounds heard.

Interview with Dr. J. Allen Hynek

Dr. J. Allen Hynek, the U.S. Air Force's chief scientific consultant on UFOs and director of the Dearborn Observatory, is interviewed by aviation writer Jon R. Donnelly.

Hynek states that the best reason for taking UFOs seriously is the caliber of the reporters. He believes the phenomena of UFOs is real and that reports from around the world show striking similarities. However, he criticizes the lack of progress in UFO study over the past 20 years, attributing it to a lack of FBI-type treatment and the focus on older "classic" reports.

Regarding UFO photos, Hynek would require affidavits from two independent witnesses, the original negative, and the original camera to consider a photo authentic.

He mentions an "invisible college" of scientists who believe in UFOs and would be willing to study the phenomena if given the opportunity.

Hynek discusses Project Blue Book, calling it understaffed and suggesting the Air Force has "badly mishandled" the UFO problem for years, though he doesn't believe in a "grand conspiracy" but rather "little cover-ups."

He also comments on the Condon committee, stating he is not eligible for membership due to potential bias.

Other Reports

Electrocution of Cows Probed: An investigation is underway in Round Hill, Virginia, concerning the electrocution of 23 Holstein cows on the Thomas Shedd farm. The cause was unknown.

Alien Craft Sighted by Air Force Veteran: Robert LeChance, a four-year Air Force veteran, reported seeing a bowl-shaped, orange-red, glowing craft near Whitesville, New Jersey. His wife and a neighbor also witnessed it. The craft descended slowly and made no sound. Mrs. Gifford reported her television and lights dimmed when the craft was nearby.

Sonic Booms Seen--But Not Heard?: Research scientists at Northrop Corp. in Hawthorne, California, are exploring whether electrical discharges ahead of a craft could lessen sonic boom intensity and aerodynamic drag. This could manifest as a bright bluish light. The research is in preliminary stages.

Policy on UFOs Attacked: Dr. J.E. McDonald, a physicist from the University of Arizona, charged that federal authorities have "badly mishandled" UFO investigations and urged scientists to take the subject seriously, suggesting that some form of extraterrestrial survey exists.

Woman Says Car Stopped by Alien Craft: A woman in Tompkins County, New York, claims her car was stopped and operated by an alien craft, which communicated a message to her via voices. The craft reportedly had elliptical shape with red and green flashing lights and emitted a diffused white light.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the reality of UFO phenomena, the importance of credible witness testimony, and the perceived mishandling of UFO investigations by official agencies. The APRG REPORTER consistently presents accounts of unexplained aerial phenomena, highlighting the experiences of pilots, passengers, and ordinary citizens. The publication appears to advocate for a more serious and open approach to studying UFOs, as evidenced by its focus on detailed reports and interviews with experts like Dr. Hynek and Dr. McDonald, who challenge conventional explanations and official stances.