OVNI - 1991 10 - October

Magazine Overview

This is the October 1991 issue of the "OVNI" newsletter, published by the Phenomenon Research Association (PRA). The cover features a striking illustration of a flying saucer and other aerial phenomena, alongside the magazine title and date. The newsletter is priced at £1.50 and is part of Vol.1, Part 3 of the "Unexplained" magazine.

The Leeds UFO & Crop Circle Conference (14th September)

The newsletter reports on a conference held at the Civic Theatre in Leeds, organized by the "Quest International" group. The event took place at a critical time, following media exposure of crop circle hoaxes by "Doug and Dave". Pat Delgado and Colin Andrews used this opportunity to present new evidence to repudiate the extravagant claims made by the newspaper. They systematically demonstrated that while "Doug and Dave" may be responsible for some circles, the phenomenon itself persists and cannot be ignored.

• Key observations presented by Colin Andrews and Pat Delgado included:
• Flattened plants inside genuine crop circles continue to grow and appear healthier.
• The stems of the crop are bent over and rarely broken, even in thick stems like Oilseed Rape (up to 1" thick and 6' tall), which would normally snap.
• Colour slides showed changes in the crystalline structure of wheat stems from inside and outside the circles.
• A tape recording of unusual "trilling" sounds, captured inside pictograms in Wiltshire, was played. The PRA group has obtained a copy of this recording, though it is copyrighted.

Colin Andrews also mentioned a video film of a small silver disc seen travelling over a pictogram at Alton Barnes, Wiltshire, though it could not be shown at the conference. The editors note that new "event" figures in the September issue of the CCCS magazine "The Circular" indicate that even after accounting for hoax circles, 1,610 crop circles remain unexplained.

A Controversial Claim: UFO Crash in Botswana

Tony Dodd, a researcher for the Quest Group, presented a detailed account of a UFO incident on May 7th, 1989, involving the South African Air Force (SAAF). A UFO, travelling at an estimated 5,000mph, was tracked by SAAF radar approaching the coast. Two Mirage jet fighters were scrambled to intercept it. The UFO did not respond to radio challenges and was treated as hostile. The leading Mirage aircraft fired its laser-guided gun, hitting the UFO and causing it to lose altitude and crash-land in the Kalahari Desert, Botswana.

Following the crash, a SAAF helicopter attempting to approach the downed UFO experienced electrical failure and crashed, killing its crew. A subsequent land team also suffered electrical failures in their vehicles. A team then applied an "unknown" substance to the UFO's exterior, which reportedly stopped radiation. The UFO and two live aliens were recovered, taken to a secret base, and ultimately transported by American aircraft to Wright Patterson Air Force Base.

The newsletter raises several questions about this incident, including the sophistication of the SAAF's weapons system to hit a target at such speed and the feasibility of using laser beam weapons in a head-on engagement at 6,000mph. Maurice Mitchell of the PRA noted that laser beam weapons are typically used in air-to-ground modes and require a steady course for accuracy.

Other Incidents and Disclosures

Due to space limitations, the Botswana incident will be discussed further at a future meeting. The newsletter highlights a more convincing account of a crashed UFO in the Arizona desert on May 21st, 1953, accompanied by a drawing by Omar Fowler based on a witness sketch. Timothy Good also shared information from his book "Alien Liaison", claiming that aliens are participating in current American projects.

Current News: Crop Circle Investigations

The "Unexplained" magazine's latest issue features an article on "The Crop Circle Controversy", providing an objective account of the mystery and covering old UFO cases. The PRA also investigated a report of a twin circle, or "Dumbell", at Breedon-on-the-Hill, Leicestershire, thanks to PRA member Roy Swann.

An article titled "Magic Circle", dated September 13th, led to an investigation by Omar Fowler on October 1st. Mrs Dilks and her son Robin reported circles at "Bramgate Farm", adjacent to the A447. The investigation found two circles, approximately 13' in diameter, in a field with stubble remaining. The circles appeared roughly made, with wheat stalks broken at ground level rather than bent. The pattern did not seem authentic, with evidence suggesting someone could have walked to the centre, laid down the wheat, and covered their tracks. The circles were easily accessible from a nearby road and gate. Inspection of the ditch by the gate yielded beer bottles and a whisky carton. The conclusion was "A hoax" due to the circles appearing "off season", being badly formed, smaller than usual, having broken stems, and the site's easy accessibility.

Next Meeting

The next PRA meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 22nd, at the Stanley Club, Stanley Common, near Ilkeston. The main theme will be a colour slide show of Crop Circles and a selection of UFO cases from Surrey & Hampshire. Admission is 50p for non-members.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently focuses on UFO sightings, crop circles, and related phenomena, with a strong emphasis on research and evidence. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, seeking to distinguish genuine phenomena from hoaxes while acknowledging the complexity and ongoing nature of these mysteries. The PRA actively investigates reported incidents and shares findings with its members, encouraging discussion and further research. There is a clear effort to present objective accounts while also exploring controversial claims and theories within the UFO and paranormal community.