Flying Saucer Digest - No 216 - 2017

Magazine Overview

Title: FLYING SAUCER DIGEST
Issue: NO. 216
Date: SPRING 2017 (with a cover date of SPRING 1968 for the featured artwork)
Publisher: R. Hilberg Publications
Location: Berea, Ohio, USA
Editor: Rick Hilberg
Managing Editor: Carol Hilberg
Cover Art: Ronald J. Pelger
Founder: Allan J. Manak (1933-1999)

This issue of Flying Saucer Digest, dated Spring 2017, features a cover illustration from Spring 1968 by Ronald J. Pelger depicting astronauts on an alien landscape with a flying saucer and a ringed planet. The publication is described as being published quarterly by R. Hilberg Publications.

Virginia Hosts Low Flying Boomerang

A witness in Alexandria, Virginia, reported a sighting on March 19, 2017, of a large, boomerang-shaped object with five large, circle-shaped lights underneath. The object was observed at approximately 8:30 p.m., moving silently at a fairly slow speed, about 500 feet above the ground and under cloud cover. The witness, who was sitting on his apartment deck smoking a cigar, described the object as dark charcoal gray against a black craft. It remained visible for about 8-10 seconds before fading into the night sky. The craft had no visible lights other than the five circles and made no jet noise. The witness, a former Air Force and Air National Guard member, stated it was unlike any aircraft they had ever seen. The source for this report is Roger Marsh from "Open Minds" dated March 28, 2017.

2016 Canadian UFO Survey

The results of the 2016 Canadian UFO Survey indicate that UFO sightings remain at a high level, with 1,131 reports officially filed in Canada, marking the fifth consecutive year above 1,000 cases. Since the survey began in 1989, a total of 18,038 reports have been catalogued, exceeding the number investigated by the U.S. Air Force's Project Blue Book (12,618 reports). This data challenges the notion that UFO sightings are a "passing fad" or decreasing. The majority of reports (37.7%) occurred in the summer months (June, July, August). "Nocturnal Lights" constituted 54.9% of sightings, while Close Encounters were less than 1%.

Ontario (26.3%) and British Columbia (17.2%) had the most reports, with Quebec showing an unusual overabundance (38.5%). The most common shape reported was a point source of light (57%), followed by Ball (9%), Triangle (4%), Fireball (5%), and Cigar (3%). The classic "flying saucer" shape was reported only 48 times (5%). The percentage of unexplained cases dropped to a 28-year low of 4%, attributed to more careful scrutiny. The survey emphasizes that "unknown" classification does not imply alien visitation and that cases may still have conventional explanations. The Canadian UFO Survey is produced by Ufology Research in Manitoba.

The Gate to Strange Phenomena

This section advertises "The Gate to Strange Phenomena," a publication offering intriguing factual articles and scientific occult news clippings. A sample copy can be obtained by mailing $2.00 to P.O. Box 43516, Richmond Heights, OH 44143.

Bigfoot Booklet from FSD Now in Stock

In celebration of its 50th anniversary, Flying Saucer Digest is offering a revised edition of its 1992 publication, "FSD's Bigfoot Reader." This book covers Bigfoot mystery accounts from popular media, features illustrations, and includes a distribution map of sightings. It also speculates on the origin of these creatures and the lack of scientific specimens. The booklet is available for $10.00 postpaid and checks should be made payable to Rick Hilberg.

Ship Reports UFO in Gulf of Mexico

A chief engineer aboard an Offshore Supply Vessel reported an incident on March 21, 2017, approximately 80 miles southeast of New Orleans in the Gulf of Mexico. While near a rig, he and four crew members observed an oval-shaped craft, estimated to be five times the length of their 240-foot vessel, rise about 40 feet out of the water. The object then disappeared into the sky at a 30-degree angle at an incredible speed, described as faster than a light turning on. The sighting lasted about 40 seconds. The craft was dark colored, oval-shaped, and made no sound. The report was filed with the National UFO Reporting Center (NUFORC) and confirmed by Peter Davenport and Roger Marsh of Mutual UFO Network.

The Typical Fortean Dilemma

Written by Martin Piechota, this article explores the nature of Fortean phenomena and the challenges of explaining them. It discusses how older beliefs, once considered myths, can share similar origins with current scientific knowledge. The author questions the conventional meteorological explanation for the "falling of toads," suggesting that whirlwinds or waterspouts might not be selective enough to explain the phenomenon, especially when toads of uniform size are found without debris, or when falls occur without accompanying wind. The article suggests that such reports should be considered anomalous or that the species involved might have a different lifestyle.

Engineer Spots Nevada Triangle

A communications engineer reported an encounter near Austin, Nevada, on February 15, 2017. While driving from Mount Callahan at 8 p.m., the witness saw a bright light about 1,000 yards away. The object, initially stationary, transformed into a large triangle with two lights in each corner, rotated slowly for about a minute, and then became a massive rectangle with about 30 lights around its perimeter. It remained stationary for another minute before vanishing instantly. Shortly after, a loud rushing air sound was heard, growing louder and then softer as if flying away. The witness described the site as extremely remote, with their trucks being the only lights for 20 square miles. The case was closed as "Unknown" by Nevada MUFON.

Low Level UFO Over Pennsylvania

A witness in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, reported a fast-moving, bright object on February 26, 2017, at 4 a.m. The object was described as moving southwest at an estimated speed of 800 mph and up, traveling low but trackable. Its shape was a straight line with a slight curve, and it had numerous bright white lights in a row. The witness, a retired federal employee and army veteran, estimated the object's length to be between 800 to 1,000 feet. The object made a low humming sound. The case was reported to MUFON and "Open Minds."

Woman Blames Sasquatch for Car Crash

A 50-year-old woman in northern Idaho reported crashing into a deer on March 22 near Potlatch because she was distracted by a sasquatch in her rearview mirror. She told sheriff's officials that she saw a sasquatch chasing a deer on the side of the road. While checking her mirror for a second look, the deer ran in front of her. The incident was recorded as a vehicle vs. deer collision, with no Bigfoot evidence reported.

Derbyshire, England "Ghost Plane"

Reports of a "ghost plane," often described as similar to a Douglas C-47 Dakota military transport aircraft, have been sighted numerous times over Derbyshire, England. Witnesses have described large, unmarked, silent aircraft flying towards them before mysteriously disappearing. Sandra Holland reported seeing such an aircraft flying straight towards her over the Peak Shopping village, noting it looked like it wasn't running quite right before vanishing. Pam Orridge also reported seeing a similar aircraft flying very low towards her, which banked sideways and disappeared. The Peak District area is known for over 50 unexplained plane crashes and is referred to as "Britain's Bermuda Triangle."

Alabama's "Booger Monster"

Donald McDonald of the Gulf Coast Bigfoot Research Organization investigated reports of a creature in Conecuh County, Alabama. He examined claw marks on a tree, estimated to be 8-12 feet off the ground, which he determined could not have been made by humans or bears. McDonald, accompanied by researcher Michael Humphreys, noted that local residents have reported Bigfoot howls, screams, and sightings of creatures crossing roads and appearing near homes. The Gulf Coast Bigfoot Research Center has documented about 18 reports in the area, with McDonald estimating the total number of sightings in Alabama to be around 40. The creature is known by various local names, including "Alabama WhiteThing" and "Alabama Booger Monster."

Brit Claims "Alien" at Bus Stop

A man reported seeing a 7ft tall, faceless alien figure at a bus stop on Ilchester Road, Yeovil, Somerset, on December 15, 2016. The figure was described as tall, wearing a Stetson hat, with a long thin tube coming from its top and spikes on its side. Its middle section was described as moleskin and hairy. The entity was stationary within a box that emitted sparks. The encounter unnerved the witness, who drew an annotated sketch of the figure. The source is the Western Daily Press.

Special Publication Offer

The magazine offers two remaining copies of its publication "The Saucer Saga" for $10.00. Checks should be made payable to Rick Hilberg.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Flying Saucer Digest focuses on a variety of unexplained phenomena, including UFO sightings, Bigfoot encounters, and other Fortean mysteries. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation into these subjects, presenting witness testimony and research findings without necessarily endorsing definitive conclusions, but rather encouraging further inquiry. The magazine highlights the persistence of UFO reports globally and the ongoing interest in cryptid research, particularly Bigfoot. The inclusion of detailed witness accounts and references to organizations like MUFON and NUFORC suggests a commitment to documenting and disseminating information within the ufology and paranormal research communities.