APRO Bulletin - 1959 05 00 - May

Magazine Overview

This issue of The A.P.R.O. Bulletin, dated May 1959, is published by the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO) and focuses on UFO sightings, incidents, and related theories. The publication aims to contribute to the eventual solution of the mystery of unidentified objects.

UFO Involved In C118 Crash

The lead story details a C-118 transport crash near Sumner, Washington, on April 1, 1959. The aircraft, with a crew of four, took off from McChord AFB and approximately an hour later, the pilot radioed, 'We've hit something or something has hit us.' The plane subsequently crashed, killing three of the four crew members, with one still missing. Witnesses described the wreckage as 'shredded almost beyond belief.' Investigators noted that the plane reportedly slammed into the ground in a horizontal position. The report suggests a possible connection to UFO activity, citing witness accounts of strange lights and phenomena preceding and following the crash.

Citizens Form Posse To Track "Object"

This article recounts a series of sightings in the Kuyger, Ohio area in March 1959. Multiple families reported being paced and pestered by lighted objects, estimated to be 16 to 24 feet in diameter. One witness, Mayo R. Bales, described a 27-mile chase where his car radio receiver cut out and a 'buzzing, static-like sound' took over. He observed the object about 300 feet up and 75 to 100 feet in front of his car, noting his car lights had dimmed. The object was described as shaped like a 'shined-up aluminum pan with white light coming from it.' Another sighting involved a high school junior, Charles Athey, who saw an object resembling two 'face-to-face saucers pressed together with a red sphere-like affair which rotated.' The sphere reportedly emitted light that penetrated his shoulder.

"Voices" Interfere With Missile Flight

This report from Holloman AFB on April 3, 1959, describes an incident during a routine Mace missile firing. At 'X plus 3' during the flight, the missile went out of control. Simultaneously, telemetry was jammed by a strange voice. This phenomenon persisted for approximately fifteen minutes. The report questions the source of the interference, noting that the frequencies used were chosen for their immunity to skip effects and that standard telemetry transmitters are not equipped for voice modulation. The linguistic background of listeners was insufficient to identify the language, eliminating European, Russian, and Japanese.

Late Bulletin: Salvador, Brazil

This brief report from Salvador, Brazil, dated April 24, 1959, mentions a 'contact' involving an ultimatum received by a resident, corroborated by four pictures of the UAO involved. The Brazilian Army is reportedly investigating the claim.

Bob Gribble and APRG

This section introduces Bob Gribble of Seattle, who heads APRG (Aerial Phenomena Research Group). APRG previously published a bulletin similar to APRO's and is described as active in objective UFO research. The article credits Gribble with providing reports that led to the investigation of the C-118 crash incident.

Atomic Structure in Relation to Spaceship Propulsion

Authored by C. F. Krafft, this article explores the theoretical underpinnings of UFO propulsion. Krafft, a patent examiner with a history of predicting scientific phenomena, suggests that current physics concepts of atomic structure, particularly the planetary model with electrons orbiting a nucleus, are inadequate. He proposes a 'vortex theory' where subatomic particles are forms of fluid motion ('ether') and atoms have rigid structural frameworks without a nucleus. This theory, he argues, better explains atomic resonance and could lead to new propulsion systems for spaceships, potentially involving 'super-gravitation' and the manipulation of positive charges at the periphery of ions.

Russians Get Into The Act

This section reports on Soviet speculation regarding a meteorite that hit Siberia 50 years ago, suggesting it might have been an atomic-powered spaceship from Venus. The book 'A Guest from the Universe' by Alexander Kazancev is cited, mentioning 'pieces of iron which are not part of a meteorite' found at the impact site. Another report mentions a Soviet scientist's theory that the two moons of Mars are artificial space stations.

Transmitting UFO's

Authored by C. W. Fitch, this article focuses on UFOs that emit signals or lights without apparent interference. It highlights the 'Hobbs Man Sees Glowing UFO, Hears Signals' case from a previous issue and discusses two characteristics common to such occurrences: the UFOs operate mysteriously without interference, and they emit signals that are heard but not understood. The article speculates on the purpose of these signals, whether for contact, internal communication, or remote control of unmanned craft.

The Silver Lake Sighting

This case, from December 1, 1957, in Silver Lake, Ohio, describes a woman who witnessed a brightly lighted object hovering over a neighbor's lawn. The object was described as cone-shaped, with blinking lights resembling a Christmas tree, emitting an 'eerie, pulsating, phosphorescent-like green glow.' The pattern of lights was likened to 'many small neon tubes alternately brightening and dimming.' The object was estimated to be 6-7 feet in height and 4-5 feet across the base.

The Shadow of the Unknown (Part II)

This concluding part of Dr. Olavo T. Fontes's article details five incidents involving UFOs and automobiles, primarily in the Ponta Poran region of Brazil. The incidents suggest a pattern of UFOs chasing cars, with some cases involving 'stalled-motor effects' on the vehicles. Fontes posits that these effects might be the result of direct interference from a UFO weapon, rather than a side-effect of the UFO's magnetic field. He argues that the UFO occupants exhibit a psychology similar to humans, showing a reluctance for direct contact and a desire to avoid interference with their activities. The article suggests that these UFO activities might indicate the presence of a secret UFO base on Earth.

Other Sightings and Reports

From Scandinavia

Two incidents from Denmark and Sweden are reported. In Denmark, a brilliant semi-sphere rotated above the ground before disappearing and reappearing to follow a motorcyclist. In Sweden, a brilliant object was seen over a lake, described as round with a brilliant ring, emitting a red-yellow light.

In Venezuela

Two sightings are mentioned: a large luminous object seen near Caracas, described as disc-shaped and 'swollen,' emitting a sound like 'turbines,' and two luminous, round objects observed maneuvering in the sky above Caracas, described as cylinder-shaped and under intelligent control.

In Argentina

Several incidents from Argentina are reported: a strange aerial body crossing the sky at high speed near Cachi, Salta; a bright silver object emerging from clouds, flying low, and then shooting up near Cordoba; and a round, silvery object observed near Cordoba that emitted explosions of luminosity. Another report from San Salvador de Juyuy describes a brilliant light illuminating electricians, followed by a cone-shaped object with a fish-like tail and strong lights.

Admiral Dufek Says Saucers Possible

Rear Admiral George Dufek is quoted as stating that the existence of flying saucers cannot be discounted and that it's arrogant to assume humans are the only intelligent beings in the universe. He suggests that exploded meteors might be 'saucers driven from Venus or other planets.'

PAA Pilots Observe UFO

On February 4, 1959, pilots of a DC6B aircraft reported seeing an unexplainable aerial object performing maneuvers in the sky. The object, described as a reddish light, stopped abruptly, reappeared, and moved straight up at tremendous speed.

Correction and Amplification

This section corrects a name from a previous issue, stating that the pilot involved in a case was Killian, not Gillian. It also addresses an Air Force explanation of the Killian case as a reflection of the Orion constellation, which was later contradicted by an AP release suggesting the lights were from refueling B-47 bombers.

UAO Seen Near Hermosillo, Mexico

On March 22, 1959, three individuals reported seeing an intensely blue object hovering near the White Mine Ranch, close to Hermosillo Airport.

Montreal Hosts UAO

Canadian Air Force authorities confirmed an unidentified aerial object hovered over St. Hubert Air Base near Montreal on April 12. The object, a red light to observers, did not register on radar and was estimated to be traveling at speeds faster than sound.

Math Prof Investigates Lights in Virginia

Professor Ted Gibson, a mathematics professor and astronomy enthusiast, is investigating sightings of strange orange lights near Coeburn, Virginia. His club has logged 26 separate sightings, including glowing red-orange disks that land and take off, and mysterious strips of metallic foil appearing overnight.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the persistent reporting of UFO sightings across various continents, the investigation of specific incidents with detailed witness accounts, and the exploration of theoretical explanations for UFO technology and behavior. The editorial stance of The A.P.R.O. Bulletin appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting evidence and theories without necessarily endorsing them, while also expressing skepticism towards official explanations and highlighting concerns about potential censorship and the suppression of information. The publication seems dedicated to gathering and analyzing data related to UFO phenomena, aiming for a comprehensive understanding of the mystery.