BUFORA Bulletin2 - No.06 - Oct Nov 1998

Magazine Overview

Title: BUFORA BULLETIN
Issue: No. 6
Date: October/November 1998
Publisher: British UFO Research Association (BUFORA Ltd)
Country: UK
Language: English

This issue of the BUFORA BULLETIN, the bi-monthly journal of the British UFO Research Association, is dated October/November 1998. The cover prominently features the main topics of the issue, including the "Sturrock Report", the "Howden Moors 'Tornado Pilot'" case, the "Devon Paranormal/UFO 'Link' Case", and a "Re-examination" of the "1959 Papuan UFO Wave". It also mentions the "Roswell Autopsy Movie" and the "Latest! Sturrock Report". The cover includes images related to UFO research, such as a stylized "SSE" logo, a silhouette of a craft, and a photograph of a body on a table.

Editorial: "Scientific Respectability"?

Robert Moore's editorial, titled "Scientific Respectability?", discusses the excitement generated by a report from the Society for Scientific Exploration (SSE) in June 1998. This SSE report, often referred to as the "Sturrock Report", concluded that UFO reports warrant scientific attention and that their study could lead to scientific breakthroughs. Moore expresses hope that this will usher in a new era of "scientific" approach to ufology, moving away from the "populist" era of the 1990s, which he feels was squandered. He criticizes the tendency within the subject to emulate fictional portrayals like "The X-Files", leading to descriptions of individuals as "real life Mulder" or "X-Files couples".

Moore argues that while "The X-Files" may reflect pre-existing popular beliefs, it has significantly influenced public perception of UFOs. He questions why the subject has allowed fiction to dominate its public image and suggests that ufologists could have done more to maintain a serious and objective treatment of the subject. He notes that many in ufology seem subconsciously fearful of the scientific approach because it often leads to mundane explanations (IFO - Identified Flying Object) for sightings. However, he stresses that a scientific approach should not be equated with skepticism, but rather with honesty, accepting sightings as either explicable or potentially genuine anomalies based on objective assessment.

He warns against "blind belief", which leads to self-delusion, and champions the scientific approach as a "bright light of reason" that protects against "stumbling, blindly and headlong, into the dark, deep abyss of the unknown." The editorial concludes by posing a critical question: whether the UFO community will master the problem or be mastered by beliefs associated with it.

BUFORA News and Events

This section details upcoming BUFORA activities and personnel changes. BUFORA is organizing its next "Skywatch" event for December 19th-20th, 1998. Interested individuals are advised to contact Philip Walton, the skywatch co-ordinator, for details. The contact information provided includes an email address ([email protected]) and a phone number (0181-313-1556). Skywatches are typically held in open areas with good sky views, and BUFORA disclaims responsibility for any loss or injury during these events.

Additionally, John Spencer has been appointed as the new BUFORA Director of Research, replacing Steven Gamble. Spencer is seeking proposals for new research projects and details of independent research efforts. The research department is also looking for someone to regularly write up research results for publication and general dissemination. A key requirement for the department is someone with a strong knowledge of statistical methodology to produce quarterly and yearly statistical breakdowns of reported sightings. Further details can be obtained by contacting BUFORA RESEARCH at their Burgess Hill, Sussex address.

Departed Souls

The bulletin notes the passing of two significant figures in ufology: Lt. Col. Hector J. Quntinillia, Jr. (USAF ret.), who died on May 18th, 1998, aged 75. He was the last director of the USAF's Project "BLUE BOOK" from 1963 to 1969. Also mentioned is Phillip J. Corso (U.S. Army, ret.), who died on July 16th, 1998, aged 83. Corso authored "The Day After Roswell" (1997), claiming involvement in introducing alien technology recovered from the 1947 Roswell crash, a claim generally met with skepticism by the UFO community.

More Fireballs Over the U.K.

A significant fireball meteor event occurred on the night of Friday, July 12th, 1998, following similar events on June 11th-12th, 1998. Coastguard stations and police received numerous calls reporting lights in the shapes of the letters "Z", "Q", or the number "2". The Isle of Man was a focal point, with reports of a large explosion and a pilot observing winds forming the meteor's trail into letter shapes. Bungy Williams, a watch manager at Belfast Coastguard, described the "Z" shaped lights as being in the sky for 45 minutes and unlike anything he had seen before, noting its large size but inability to measure distance. RAF Fylingdales reported "no undue activity" on radar. Meteor specialist Alastair McBeath described the event as a bright fireball passing over western Britain, leaving a train of ionised gases that distorted into various letter shapes over time. He noted the rarity and unusual appearance of the event.

Sturrock Report: Its Contents & Implications

This lengthy article by Robert Moore delves into the Sturrock Report, published in July 1998, which was based on a scientific panel's review of UFO evidence. The panel, masterminded by Peter A. Sturrock (professor at Stanford University and founder of the SSE) and funded by Laurance S. Rockefeller, aimed to encourage unbiased investigation of anomalous experiences. The workshop, held in Tarrytown, New York, from September 29th to October 4th, 1997, focused on cases with physical evidence, such as photographs, radar traces, and physical effects on witnesses.

The panel's conclusions included that the UFO problem is complex with no simple answer, that unexplained observations offer opportunities for scientific learning, and that studies should concentrate on cases with independent physical evidence. They also recommended continued contact between the UFO community and scientists and suggested institutional support for research. While acknowledging that some incidents might involve rare phenomena or secret military activities, the report found no convincing evidence for unknown physical processes or extraterrestrial intelligence.

The panel criticized the current rigor of UFO investigations, stating they were not consistent with scientific research standards. They concluded that further analysis of the presented evidence was unlikely to elucidate causes but that new, scientifically acquired data could be useful. The report highlighted the difficulty in advancing UFO understanding due to the reluctance of peer-reviewed journals to publish related articles and the lack of reliable information. It proposed that a change in journal editors' policies and greater recognition for UFO research activities at universities could encourage scientific interest.

The article lists the ufologists who presented evidence to the panel, including Richard Haines, Illobrand von Ludwiger, Mark Rodeghier, John Schuessler, Erling Strand, Michael Swords, Jacques Vallee, and Jean-Jacques Velasco. It also lists the specific UFO incidents presented to the panel, spanning various locations and types of evidence, from photographic cases and radar events to physiological effects and anomalous debris.

Sceptical Commentary on the Sturrock-Rockefeller Report

This section presents critical comments from CISCOP (Committee for Investigation Of Claims Of The Paranormal). Paul Kurtz, CSICOP Chairman, questioned the need to devote government resources to UFO research, arguing that existing evidence does not merit such attention and that funds should be directed to more fruitful scientific projects. Philip J. Klass criticized the SSE for not including skeptics on the panel and for not being informed about recent investigations that indicated the Trans-en-Provence case might be a hoax, suggesting the evaluation process was weighted.

Kendrick Frazier, Editor of Skeptical Inquirer, noted that the eight people providing testimony and evidence were all strong UFO proponents, with no skeptical researchers among them, deeming this "very curious" for a balanced assessment. The article also includes Robert Moore's "Personal Assessment" of the Sturrock-Rockefeller Report, reiterating that its conclusions and recommendations have been made before. He suggests the report comes at a time when ufology's popularity is waning and might mark a shift towards more scientifically-oriented interest. Moore points out that the panel's composition and the selection of presenters favored a positive assessment, with no skeptics presenting negative evidence. He also notes that some case studies presented were weak or likely hoaxes, and expresses surprise that these flaws were not highlighted by the report.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the pursuit of scientific credibility for UFO research, the critique of populist approaches within ufology, and the importance of rigorous, evidence-based investigation. The editorial and the coverage of the Sturrock Report strongly advocate for a scientific methodology, emphasizing objectivity, honesty, and the examination of physical evidence. There is a clear stance against sensationalism and a call for a more serious, academic approach to the subject. The issue also highlights the ongoing efforts of BUFORA to promote research and organize observational events, while acknowledging the challenges posed by skepticism and the need for better scientific engagement. The critical commentary from CISCOP underscores the ongoing debate between proponents and skeptics within the UFO field, particularly concerning the interpretation and significance of reports and investigations like the Sturrock Report.

This issue of a UFO research magazine focuses on casting doubt on the authenticity of the infamous 'Alien Autopsy' film, primarily through an investigation into its 'tent footage'. The magazine features articles by Philip Mantle, Malcolm Robinson, and Christopher D. Allan, exploring various UFO and paranormal cases.

Casting Doubt on the Alien Autopsy Film

Philip Mantle's lead article delves into the controversy surrounding Ray Santilli's 'Alien Autopsy' film, released in 1995. Mantle highlights that while the film is highly controversial, definitive proof for or against its authenticity remains elusive. He focuses on the 'tent footage', which was the first part of the film shown publicly. Mantle notes that this footage is of poor quality and depicts medical staff attending to an alien creature in a desert tent. He introduces Keith A. Goodyear, who contacted Mantle claiming to know about the Santilli footage and to identify actors in it. Goodyear informed Mantle that the Santilli film was a fake.

Further investigation by Mantle reveals that Bob Kiviat, an American TV producer, was also making a documentary about the Santilli film, initially labeling it as authentic but later shifting to portray it as a hoax. Kiviat's company interviewed Goodyear. Mantle recounts a taped interview with Goodyear, who explained his background as a video games programmer. Goodyear stated that he had visited A.R.K. Music, a company he used for music for his games. During a social visit in 1997, he overheard a conversation involving Ray Santilli and learned from A.R.K. Music's owners, Keith Bateman and Andy Price Watts, that they had made the 'tent footage' as a joke. They even mentioned an employee named Elliott appearing in the film.

Goodyear later found a video copy of this footage, which he had been given by A.R.K. Music, and recognized it from a website scrutinizing the 'tent footage'. He realized the film shown on the website, labeled as Santilli's 'tent footage', was the same one he possessed.

Mantle also details his efforts to contact Bateman and Watts, who did not reply. He then recounts information from a former colleague of Santilli's who claimed the 'tent footage' was indeed fake. According to this source, Santilli had given A.R.K. original film to 'clean up', but it was blank. A.R.K. then created the footage as a joke. When people saw the 'tent footage', Santilli allegedly distanced himself from it without admitting it was a hoax, though he remained angry. The colleague insisted the autopsy film itself was still authentic.

Ray Santilli responded to Mantle's findings in an email, stating that the information from his colleague was not entirely correct but that his feelings about the 'tent footage' being interfered with were accurate. He maintained his position and suggested Mantle speak to the studio involved. Santilli also questioned the credibility of Goodyear, referring to him as a 'guy you interviewed' who would enjoy his 'short moment of fame'.

Mantle argues that if Santilli suspected interference upon returning to the UK, he would not have released the film to broadcasters later. He suggests Santilli may have tried to withdraw the film upon discovering it was a hoax and Elliott was identifiable. Mantle questions why Santilli's colleague would categorically state it was a hoax if it wasn't.

Mantle also recounts attending a meeting where the autopsy film and tent footage were shown to Union Pictures and Channel Four executives. He questions why Santilli would show the tent footage if he knew it had been interfered with by A.R.K. Music. Mantle concludes that the tent footage is a fake, likely manufactured by A.R.K. Music. He expresses that this casts serious doubt on the remainder of Santilli's film, despite having been a supporter of the autopsy film previously. He notes that Bob Kiviat claims to have more evidence, and another researcher is investigating the possibility of the autopsy film itself being a fake.

Devon UFO/Paranormal "Link" Case

Malcolm Robinson reports on a case in Devon involving UFOs and ghosts. The witness, identified as B.P., reported ghostly manifestations starting in November 1991. These included feelings of pressure, transparent figures in old-fashioned clothing, and a tall 'grey' creature. Footsteps were heard, and a faint aroma of tobacco smoke was detected, despite no one smoking. B.P.'s son encountered a 'being' in his doorway, described as similar to 'Captain Caveman', which felt like pushing against warm jelly or air and had long, straggly hair.

More mysterious events unfolded, leading the family to seek the services of a Spiritualist. While a cleansing ceremony initially brought quiet, events resurfaced. B.P.'s son reported hearing moaning and screaming from his bedroom, only to find the room empty. Streaks of light, described as a 'laser-light show', were seen throughout the house. B.P. and his wife also observed 'balls of light' in their home, which would suddenly disappear. Another cleansing ceremony was performed, which seemed to stop the apparitions, though the family still sensed a presence.

Around the time the ghosts began to depart, B.P.'s son started encountering a small grey alien with large, black wrap-around eyes in his bedroom. He described the alien's head movements as peculiar. B.P.'s wife had a dream of meeting 'aliens' and experienced a painful feeling on the side of her head, leading to hair loss and a bald spot. Her hair eventually grew back pure white before returning to its normal color.

B.P. underwent hypnosis to retrieve memories about important documents. During hypnosis, he reported seeing 'alien creatures' with large cat-like eyes, a saucer-like craft with a hatch, and a radar screen. He felt he was traveling in the craft, observing clouds below. Notably, B.P. had no prior interest in UFOs and had not witnessed any aliens before the hypnosis session.

The Papuan UFO Wave of 1959 - A Re-Examination

Christopher D. Allan examines the 1959 UFO sightings in Papua New Guinea. During this period, UFO sightings were generally low globally, with abductions and contactees still emerging. The Papuan wave is unique, with no similar occurrences before or since in Australasia.

The report is based on a resumé by Rev. Norman E.G. Cruttwell of the Anglican Mission at Menapi, Papua, prepared in March 1960. Two remarkable CE3 sightings occurred in late June 1959 near a mission station, witnessed by 38 people, including Rev. William Booth Gill. These sightings lasted for several hours on two successive evenings.

On June 26th, four UFOs were observed, including a large orange-colored UFO with 'men' on its 'top deck' and 'legs'. The UFOs descended to about 500 ft altitude and slowly moved off. On June 27th, three UFOs, including the 'mother ship', were seen again, with witnesses waving to the 'beings'. A blue spotlight was observed, and the UFO made reversing motions and appeared to grow larger before stopping.

Other reports from the period include a sighting of a greenish-white 'shooting star' with a dark band and 'portholes' at Giwa. At Baniara, observers saw a 'bright white spherical light' and a 'round, bronzed-colored disc'. Another sighting at Baniara involved a very bright UFO. At Dogura, ten people saw a 'brilliant spot of white light' moving circularly. Allan notes that one witness, a college chaplain, initially thought the object was a UFO but later changed his mind to believe it was Venus, a detail Allan considers significant.

Allan discusses Cruttwell's report, which lists 75 sightings from October 1958 to November 1959, mostly nocturnal lights. He notes that Cruttwell attached significant weight to eyewitness testimony, even for 'fantastic' sightings. Allan suggests that astronomical objects, particularly Venus, could account for many sightings, a possibility Cruttwell was reluctant to fully admit. The RAAF investigated the Gill sightings and suggested that three of the lights could have been planets like Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars, but notably omitted Venus. Allan questions this omission, suggesting it might have been to avoid insulting Father Gill's intelligence.

Cruttwell's report is compared to other summaries and investigations by Peter Norris, Coral Lorenzen, Jerome Clark, J. Allen Hynek, Allan Hendry, Jacques Vallee, Donald Menzel, Philip Klass, and Martin Kottmeyer.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the scrutiny of UFO evidence, the potential for hoaxes and misidentification, and the detailed investigation of specific cases. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking to uncover the truth behind controversial UFO claims, particularly the 'Alien Autopsy' film. The magazine presents evidence and arguments from various sources, including eyewitnesses, investigators, and filmmakers, to encourage readers to form their own conclusions. There is a clear emphasis on differentiating between genuine phenomena and potential fabrications or misinterpretations, as seen in the detailed analysis of the 'tent footage' and the re-examination of the Papuan UFO wave.

This issue of the BUFORA Bulletin, identified as Issue 5 and dated November 1998, focuses heavily on the investigation of the Howden Moors Incident, presented as Part 2 and authored by David Clarke. The magazine also includes astronomical data, other UFO cases, and event listings.

The Howden Moors Incident - Part 2

David Clarke continues his investigation into the Howden Moors Incident, which occurred on March 24, 1997. The incident involved a widely-observed apparent 'crash' of an object described as a fiery wingless cigar or a large four-seater aircraft with luminous windows. Despite an intensive search, no trace of any aircraft was found. The event gained notable status within the British UFO community, with UFO researcher Max Burns stating that a UFO and six RAF Tornado jets were in pursuit of a 300-foot flying triangle UFO. Burns also claimed that two airburst explosions were recorded by the British Geological Survey, attributed to a UFO conducting a hostile attack on aircraft, with one RAF jet lost and two bodies recovered from a reservoir. Clarke, however, casts doubt on these claims.

Clarke highlights that the British Geological Survey did record two 'airburst explosions' that night, which they attributed to aircraft moving at supersonic speeds. He then details the 'Dronfield FT Event,' which occurred about half an hour before the Howden Moor 'aircrash.' Several inhabitants of Dronfield reported seeing a large triangular 'UFO' with 'pinkish' lights and a blinding blue light underneath, emitting a 'droning' noise. This was followed by two fast-moving jets, resembling Tornado fighter-bombers. However, Clarke notes that a pre-scheduled military exercise was occurring in the vicinity on that date, increasing the likelihood that the jets were part of the exercise and not involved in a UFO encounter. Furthermore, none of the Peak Park witnesses described a triangular UFO, but rather an aircraft or cigar-like form.

Clarke questions the narrative of a UFO crash, pointing out the complete lack of wreckage, which would be expected even in a catastrophic air crash. He contrasts this with a known Tornado accident in the Peak Parks area in 1991, which was very evident. He also dismisses the possibility of an aircraft crashing into reservoirs, as no wreckage or fuel slicks were found. The claim of two lost RAF pilots is also questioned, as no names have been officially released.

The article then addresses the rumor of 'body bags' being recovered from a reservoir. David Clarke contacted workers who denied being silenced and confirmed they were asked to check reservoirs for debris or oil slicks, finding none. The 'Ladybower "Tornado Pilot"' incident is examined, where a trainee RAF mechanic, E.V., reported seeing a man covered in fuel behaving suspiciously near Ladybower. This event, occurring an hour after the Howden Moor reports, was initially thought to add weight to the Tornado theory. However, E.V. later clarified that he had reported a man who smelled of aviation fuel, not necessarily a pilot, and had not connected the incident to UFOs or downed Tornadoes. Max Burns, a UFO researcher, contacted E.V. a year later, identifying himself as a journalist, and sought testimony for a story. E.V. later withdrew permission for his name to be used, stating he had only reported facts and did not believe the man was a pilot, fearing repercussions from his employers in the RAF.

Clarke's investigation revealed that the man E.V. encountered was the subject of a failed suicide attempt, having poured petrol or flammable liquid over himself. This explanation aligns with the police log and the ranger's account of similar incidents in remote areas. The article concludes that the claims of UFOs shooting down Tornadoes or RAF cover-ups are likely unfounded, and the Howden Moors event remains an enigma, possibly a misinterpretation of military activity or other phenomena.

Papua UFO Sighting and Planetary Positions

An earlier section of the magazine revisits the 1959 Papua UFO sighting involving Father Gill. The article presents planetary positions for June 26, 1959, in Papua, detailing the azimuth and altitude of Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn at various local times. It notes the proximity of Mars to Venus, with only a 4-degree gap. The author suggests that Gill might have mistaken Mars for Venus and Venus for the UFO, pointing out that Venus was in the exact position of the 'UFO' seen by multiple witnesses, including Gill, in the Dogura event.

The article also references R. L. Smith's sighting of July 6, suggesting that many 'night lights' reported could be misidentified planets like Venus or Jupiter. It posits that if Hendry's book had been available in 1959, many of the 70-odd reports from Cruttwell might not have passed muster. Several instances from 'The UFO Handbook' are cited where Venus was mistaken for a UFO.

Despite the explanations, the article concludes that Gill's CE3 remains an enigma, questioning whether it was imagination, exaggeration, or influence from local Papuans. It also notes that the Papua wave of sightings was never repeated.

Other Sections

The magazine includes advertisements for 'UFOCALL,' a premium rate phone service for UFO headlines and news, and the BUFORA website. It also lists upcoming BUFORA events, including lectures in November and December 1998, and conferences such as the Merseyside Anomalies Research Association (MARA) UFOs and the Paranormal Conference in Liverpool (October 31, 1998) and the LAPIS Conference in Blackpool (November 14-15, 1998), detailing speakers and ticket information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical investigation of UFO reports, the importance of identifying potential misidentifications (particularly of celestial bodies), and the debunking of sensationalized claims. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards extraordinary claims, favoring rational explanations grounded in evidence, while acknowledging that some cases, like the Howden Moors incident, may remain enigmatic. The magazine emphasizes thorough research and fact-checking, as demonstrated by David Clarke's detailed investigation.