MUFON Ontario Newsletter - 1995 01 - vol 1.6

Magazine Overview

Title: MUFON ONTARIO Newsletter
Issue: Volume 1.6
Date: January '95
Publisher: MUFON ONTARIO
Country: Canada
Price: $ 3.50

This issue marks the conclusion of MUFON Ontario's first year of publication. The cover features a group photograph of individuals identified as MUFON Ontario members, with the main headline focusing on 'The Carp Case - Part 6'. The table of contents lists articles on 'The Carp case - Part 6', 'Abductio Ad Absurdum', 'Aerial Encounters', 'Ufology in Canada', and '1975 Carman UFO Film'.

The Carp Case - Part VI

This article, by Tom Theofanous & Errol Bruce-Knapp, is presented as the final part of a series investigating the 'Carp Case'. The authors state that they have deliberately avoided publishing complete details of dates, conversations, and documents, but will do so in a future official MUFON Ontario Report. They suggest that the reader will have sufficient evidence to draw their own conclusions.

The investigation delves into the RCMP's involvement and their subsequent report. It details how an individual, Oechsler, attempted to persuade the RCMP to investigate a person named Charlebois, whom Oechsler believed was 'Guardian'. Oechsler allegedly tried to involve the Mounties by having a Canadian citizen, Susan Gill, lodge a complaint about 'low flying helicopters', using the 'Guardian Video' as substantiation.

The RCMP, based on Gill's complaint, conducted an investigation to ascertain if there was sufficient evidence for prosecution under the aeronautics act, if the object observed was an aircraft, and if it was a UFO. Constable Dehaitre's inquiries led him to conclude that people involved in the complaint had a history of 'strange antics' with military paraphernalia and a fascination with UFOs and government 'misinformation'. Dehaitre reportedly told Charlebois that the photograph of 'aliens' was likely a mask. The Labaneks were also contacted but declined to speak at length due to a family funeral. Later, Labanek informed Graham Lightfoot that they were being harassed by Constable Dehaitre, who asked them to sign a form stating what they saw was a helicopter.

Graham Lightfoot lodged a complaint with Constable Dehaitre's superiors, who responded that the officer had acted professionally and had no reason to harass the Labaneks.

Further investigation revealed that Oechsler had used the RCMP, the Department of National Defence, and the Department of Transportation as 'tools' to shape the story. Christian Page of OICEPE (Organisation de Compilation et d'Information sur les Phenomenes Etranges) met with Tom & Lise Theofanous to help obtain the RCMP report. Ian Rogers, a researcher, was able to retrieve Constable Dehaitre's original report and discovered that Oechsler had not been truthful about the case, leading Ian to decide not to pass any copies of the documents to Oechsler.

In conclusion, the authors state that the RCMP had no interest until a complaint was lodged. The DND investigated and found no flights in the area. The DOT provided weather information as a favor. The authors feel that these agencies were used by Oechsler and his 'witnesses' to create an intricate 'Government Conspiracy' narrative. They believe Oechsler's game plan was to build a story using manipulative ability, misleading the public and ufology, and that the 'Carp Story' itself, from its outset in 1989, was an 'out and out hoax'. The Guardian video was analyzed and found to be inconclusive, possibly a pick-up truck or a helicopter.

The article concludes by thanking various individuals and organizations for their help in resolving the case.

Abductio Ad Absurdum

Authored by Michael Strainic, MUFON Canadian National Director, this article addresses the frequently asked question: "How do I go about investigating an abduction case?" Strainic emphasizes that investigating an abduction case is similar to investigating any other UFO report, requiring objectivity, a level-headed approach, and thoroughness. However, the primary difference lies in dealing with the exceptionally heavy emotional involvement of the experiencer, requiring the investigator to wear multiple hats: friend, investigator, psychologist, researcher, and psychiatrist.

Strainic draws insights from literature, statistical overviews, personal experience, and colleagues. UFO*BC has logged 162 possible abduction cases from British Columbia over 22 years. He notes that there isn't a universally accepted guideline for defining an abduction case, and the MIT Abduction Study Conference Code of Ethics serves as a guideline for ethicality.

The article suggests approaching every UFO case as potentially being an abduction case, as abduction scenarios can sometimes be hidden within standard UFO reports. Proper questioning techniques can reveal typical and atypical abduction scenarios. Strainic refers to the UFO phenomenon as a "Festival of Absurdities."

He highlights common features in abduction cases, such as witnesses developing an intense interest in incongruous topics, experiencing paranormal phenomena, and a frequent "power-line connection," where witnesses live near high-tension power lines or transformers. This connection is suggested to be a significant factor, though its exact meaning (attraction, carrier signal, or cause of experience) is unknown.

Aerial Encounters

This section, by Victor Lourenco, presents two unusual sightings experienced by a professional pilot named Alex Dupont.

On February 27, 1994, Alex was flying a light twin-engine aircraft when he spotted a strange, colorful, and bright light about twenty to thirty miles ahead, nearly at ground level. The light began maneuvering erratically, gaining altitude rapidly and then shooting upwards. It changed color and shape, from a ball to a saucer type object, and followed Alex's aircraft at approximately 400 yards. Alex was flying at 7,000 ft and 160 MPH. The object then dived out of sight, returned, and dived again. Alex was unable to regain visual contact.

When first seen, the object appeared half-moon shaped, then oblong, rounder on top and flatter on the bottom, like an egg. It seemed to change color, getting darker with a rim. No lights were visible. Its estimated size was fifty feet across and twenty to twenty-five feet high. There was no effect on the aircraft.

The second sighting occurred two nights later. Alex was flying the same route when he noticed a strange "trail" in the sky with a bluish hue, about 100 feet in depth. He then saw a red light moving towards the Indian community of Landsdown House. He observed several colored lights of red, green, and white, plus pulsating strobes. He initially thought it was an aircraft. When Alex was within 15 miles of the community, he noticed lights on the northwest side. The lights began coming towards his aircraft at an incredible speed without gaining altitude. They stopped approaching, and Alex observed lights of red, white, green, and a white strobe, with reflections off snow and trees. The lights hovered, went north, returned south, and hovered again. Alex could not get closer.

Later, the lights quit their course and returned to the location where he had first observed them. The lights stopped and pulsated a series of bright strobe-type pulses. Another light, holding at about 30,000 ft high, returned the pulse. This interchange repeated five or six times. The ground light pulsed in Morse code-like sequences, and the higher light blinked in a similar series, but never simultaneously. The higher light then moved southeast at high speed, while the ground light displayed a "search" pattern. Alex then saw a spectacular "explosion" of orange light on the horizon and nothing more. Alex stopped flying night trips after this due to inclement winter weather.

Two weeks later, on the ground at Winnimusa Lake, Alex and another pilot observed red, green, and strobe lights at tree top height that bounced, weaved, and fluttered for 20 minutes before descending and disappearing. The case is still under investigation.

Ufology in Canada

This section continues from page 13 and discusses the fifth meeting of Second Storey, where it was agreed that a further meeting would take place after the Department of Transport completed its analysis of the Magnet Report. Evidence suggests further meetings occurred, but minutes were not made public. Recent correspondence indicates that the Project Magnet Report was submitted to Second Storey in 1953.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO cases, particularly the 'Carp Case', which is presented as a hoax, and the practical aspects of UFO investigation, including abduction cases and aerial encounters. The editorial stance is one of skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims and a commitment to rigorous investigation and evidence-based conclusions. The newsletter emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and the potential for misinterpretation or fabrication in UFO reports. The publication also highlights the efforts of MUFON Ontario members and their dedication to the field.

This issue of MUFON ONTARIO, dated May 25, 1981, features "UFOLOGY IN CANADA Past, Present & Future" by David Haisell as its lead article. The magazine focuses on UFO phenomena, investigations, and data analysis.

UFOLOGY IN CANADA: Past, Present & Future (Part One) by David Haisell

David Haisell's article, presented at the 2nd London International UFO Congress, examines the evolution of ufology in Canada over the preceding thirty years. He notes that the field has evolved in a disorganized and erratic manner, common to many countries, but compounded in Canada by its immense size and sparsely distributed population. The author contrasts Canada's land area (3,851,809 sq miles) and population (21,489,000) with the United Kingdom's (94,212 sq miles and 55,534,000 population), highlighting that Canada has over 40 times the area but less than half the population density of the UK. Specifically, he points out that 64% of Canada's population lives in Ontario and Quebec, covering only 26% of the land area, while the remaining 8 provinces and two territories have a much lower population density.

Haisell then details Canada's initial involvement in UFO investigation, which began more than three years after the 1947 Kenneth Amold incident. This involvement was initiated by Wilbert B. Smith, a senior radio engineer with the Canadian Department of Transport, whose research in radio wave propagation led him to explore geo-magnetism. Smith speculated that the Earth's magnetic field held potential energy that could be extracted, and he developed an experimental model to demonstrate his theory, believing it could lead to a new technology.

Smith's investigations were highly classified in the US, rated higher than the H-bomb, and confirmed the existence of UFOs whose modus operandi was unknown. He learned that a small group headed by Dr. Vannevar Bush was working on this, and that US authorities considered the matter of tremendous significance. Smith's preliminary work in geo-magnetism correlated with reported UFO behavior, leading him to believe he was close to some answers. He met with Dr. Solandt, Chairman of the Defence Research Board (DRB), who supported his work and offered DRB's cooperation.

Smith proposed a classified project focused on geo-magnetic research, with seven avenues of investigation, none explicitly mentioning UFOs. The author speculates whether Smith omitted UFOs to ensure project approval or if his primary interest was the new technology, with UFOs serving as a demonstration of its potential application.

In November 1950, Project Magnet was initiated. Years later, the official 'Magnet' report focused solely on UFO sighting analysis, omitting Smith's geo-magnetics research.

In early 1952, a noticeable increase in UFO incidents was reported in the Canadian Press, often involving disc-shaped craft over RCAF bases, reported by service personnel. The DRB noted this, and Chairman Solandt tasked Harold Oatway to form a committee to analyze these reports. This committee, initially named 'Project Theta' and later 'Project Second Storey,' held its first meeting on April 22, 1952, with Peter Millman as chairman. Smith, Edwards, and Solandt were present. The committee agreed on the need to formally investigate UFOs, standardize procedures, and collect reports, with DRB acting in an advisory capacity.

Smith submitted an interim report on Project Magnet on June 25, 1952, stating that flying saucers appeared to be emissaries from other civilizations operating on magnetic principles. This statement reportedly caused significant reaction.

Project Second Storey continued its work, tabling Smith's motions and approving a sighting report form. However, there was no mention of Smith's decisive statement in the minutes. By November 1953, the committee concluded that the evidence did not warrant an all-out investigation by Canadian Services but recommended continued collection of reports. This conclusion was influenced by the US Robertson Panel, suggesting a US-Canadian inter-relationship in UFO investigations, potentially placing Canadian UFO analysis under Canadian Intelligence.

Comment on "Flying Saucers Re-Viewed" by Chris Rutkowski

Chris Rutkowski responds to an article by Mike Strainic, who suggested compiling a comprehensive history of Canadian ufology. Rutkowski states that efforts have already been made to gather this information, citing his own work in locating files of the late Bill Allan and the defunct Canadian Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (CAPRO). He mentions that Canadian ufology has contributed significantly to global knowledge, listing names like Bill Allan, John Magor, John Musgrave, Arthur Bray, David Haisell, and Wilbert Smith. Rutkowski documented Canadian ufology in Jerry Clark's UFO Encyclopedia and drew upon sources like John Musgrave's "UFO OCCUPANTS & CRITTERS" and Arthur Bray's "UFOS IN CANADA."

Rutkowski notes that much historical information is available, and efforts were made to solicit current UFO report data for annual surveys. He highlights the continued international attention to Canadian ufology, mentioning the work of David Gotlib on abduction research and Grant Cameron's MJ-12 research. He echoes the call for gathering historical records, emphasizing that much has already been done, and encourages researchers to find and contribute UFO information.

UFO UpDates

This section announces that MUFON Ontario is operating a computer bulletin board system called UFO UpDates BBS. Interested users are instructed to call a specific number to leave their name and voice telephone number to receive a validation number for access.

Broadcast Version of the 1975 Carman UFO Film Altered by Robert R. Young

Robert R. Young analyzes the 1975 Carman UFO film, which showed bright images against the sky and was broadcast on Winnipeg television and later in a Fox Television Network special. He details how the film, taken by a photographer on his own time, appeared to be edited with missing frames and not in the original sequence when he first saw it. Young meticulously examined a videotape of the "UFO Coverup - Live!" program, comparing it to the original footage.

He discovered that the film, described as a 14-second sequence at "1/40th normal speed," seemed to have been altered. Instead of the expected few frames, he identified 11 locations, suggesting the film was copied at half its original speed, resulting in more frames than originally existed. He also investigated the claim of a "light leak in the camera" or darkroom, finding that a flash on the last two frames did not align with the "UFO" or the horizon, suggesting it could be a camera defect or darkroom artifact.

Young also addresses the alleged "jump" of the object in the frame, suggesting it could be caused by a splice or the appearance of a second object, possibly a small plane. He notes that the "ovoid" shape claim could be explained by atmospheric distortion, image smear, or camera motion. He also examines a "second version" of the film shown by Robert D. Barry, which contained different alterations, including repeated frames to simulate hovering.

Young concludes that at least one "1/40th normal speed" version of the Carman film was altered by adding repeat frames, though the reason and perpetrator remain unclear. He also notes a "third version" of the "jump" sequence in Chris Rutkowski's possession.

References

The article lists several references, including personal communications with Edward M. Barker and Robert D. Barry, and publications related to UFO photography and historical perspectives.

The UNICAT Project - Continued from page 20

This section, continuing from page 20, discusses the UNICAT Project and its associated data bases. It mentions the difficulty in accessing files from organizations like CUFOS, MUFON, and BUFORA. The MAYBECAT data base has grown to nearly 1900 entries, with about 8% marked as PEN (pending). The authors are exploring moving identified IFOs to a separate data base. MAYBECAT is noted as not being reliable for serious study but useful for locating cases.

Additional data bases mentioned include ALLANCAT (113 cases from Allan Hendry's book), CREPORT (103 cases from the Condon Report), CLASSCAT (in preparation by Claude Mauge), and ANDALCAT (cases from Andalucia, Spain).

As of September 1, 1993, the UNICAT data base contained about 825 cases, with each entry potentially holding up to 6000 bytes of information. The project is also developing cases that have good potential but lack sufficient information.

Copyright 1990, 1995 Robert R. Young

This indicates the copyright for Robert R. Young's article.

The UNICAT Project by Dr. Willy Smith

Dr. Willy Smith outlines the basic concepts of the UNICAT Project, initiated in 1984 with Dr. Hynek. The objective is to scientifically establish the reality of the UFO phenomenon. The project involves defining the subject, collecting high-quality UFO cases, and entering them into a specialized data base with over 250 fields. Strict criteria are used for case selection, requiring multiple witnesses, supporting evidence, and written reports.

The project identifies repeatable characteristics in UFO reports and formulates the data base accordingly. Parameters are identified by two-letter codes (e.g., HV for hovering, US for UFO silent). The data base includes information on case identification, witnesses, and other pertinent details. A unique feature is the "FLAVOR" field, which refines parameter definitions, such as detailing "electromagnetic effects" (EM).

Cases are evaluated for inclusion in UNICAT. If information is inconsistent, dubious, or has fewer than 10 identified parameters, the case is placed in MAYBECAT. This criterion ensures that only cases with sufficient information are included in UNICAT.

The project reduces sightings to bits of information represented by parameters, making them amenable to electronic retrieval and manipulation. UNICAT is described as a dynamic data base, allowing for instant corrections when new information becomes available.

Evaluation

After a case is accepted for UNICAT, its scientific value is established. The evaluation process has five prongs: the witness (graded A, B, or C based on factors like education, occupation, age), the investigator/investigation (also graded A, B, or C), the number of parameters identified (determining a third letter grade), STRANGENESS (a scale from 1 to 9 based on parameters), and WEIGHT (a scale from 1 to 9 assessing confidence in the incident).

The determination of STRANGENESS and WEIGHT is crucial for selecting cases and determining whether to keep or reject marginal ones. The author notes that the concept of "strangeness" is tricky and requires careful development, while "WEIGHT" has been properly developed and implemented.

Access to the data base

The UNICAT software is flexible, allowing information to be handled in various ways. Access is immediate and free for project associates. For others, PROFILES, a page summarizing data base entries, are available at a nominal price.

Other data bases

Besides UNICAT, other data bases have been developed, including MAYBECAT, ALLANCAT, CREPORT, CLASSCAT, and ANDALCAT. MAYBECAT, initially a simple listing, has evolved into a data base with independent access to fields and includes an "ASSESS" field for estimating case potential.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO phenomena, with a strong emphasis on rigorous investigation, data collection, and scientific analysis. There is a clear interest in government involvement and historical cases, as well as the technical aspects of UFO research, such as film analysis and data base management. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting a serious, scientific approach to ufology, aiming to establish its credibility and uncover the truth behind the phenomenon.