UFO Intelligence Newsletter - 1997 04 April to May

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Intelligence Newsletter, dated April-May 1997, is produced by the UFO Filter Center and covers a range of UFO-related topics, including recent sightings, ongoing investigations, and debates surrounding historical cases. The editor notes a significant delay in publication and a shift in content focus due to a substantial loss of subscribers, which has impacted the availability of traditional news sources and necessitated a greater reliance on the internet. This shift has also led to funding challenges, making the newsletter's production largely an out-of-pocket expense.

Editor's Message

The editor expresses regret for the late delivery and changes in the newsletter's focus. The publication initially served as a status report for The Indiana Group and later expanded nationally with the UFO Intelligence Summary. However, a drastic reduction in subscribers, coinciding with the demise of many other newsletters, has severely limited access to sighting data. The editor points to the internet as a primary source of information, but its free nature has contributed to the financial difficulties. The closure of the UFO Filter Center web site further hampers efforts to attract new subscribers. Consequently, the editor announces that upon renewal, subscriptions will be cancelled, and some subscribers may receive pro-rata refunds. Despite these challenges, The Lunascan Project is reported to be active and poised for advancement with the acquisition of a new telescope.

Phoenix Sightings

The newsletter extensively details sightings in the Phoenix, Arizona area on March 13th. Initial reports were scarce, with speculation that information was being held for publication in the MUFON UFO JOURNAL. The report, relayed by Jerry Washington, State Director of Kentucky for MUFON, describes an investigation initiated by a local official who requested information from Air Force officials. A computer lab team worked on a computer model of the sightings using data from multiple video cameras to triangulate the craft's size and movements. This analysis was released to the press. Officials from Luke Air Force Base, the FAA, and the city council met with the scientist, expressing concern and hinting at national security issues. The FAA later questioned the scientist. The report also mentions Kal Korf's attempt to discredit the scientist. A television program, "Extra," is noted to be covering aspects of this event.

Further details on the Phoenix sightings come from Richard Motzer, a field investigator. He clarifies that there was only one video of a V formation, but five videos of flares. He emphasizes the need for more video evidence and 35mm film of the V formation. Motzer also notes that the flares were seen over the Estrella Mountains. The report includes a sarcastic comment from Bill Hamilton about the "Phoenix Spaceport" becoming a reality.

Councilwoman Frances Emma Barwood of The Arizona Republic is quoted stating that the city lacks the resources to investigate the lights and depends on the U.S. Air Force, though Luke Air Force Base officials indicated they would not investigate. Barwood expressed surprise at the lack of concern, noting that witnesses described the objects as huge and silent. Mayor Skip Rimsza is mentioned as making light of the situation. Channel 15 News is criticized for incorrectly reporting that local MUFON investigators agreed the lights were flares; the report clarifies that only stationary lights south of the city were identified as flares, and military experts are investigating this claim. Amateur astronomers' explanations are dismissed as ridiculous.

For the record, the newsletter states that all analysis indicates that none of the sightings on March 13th over Arizona have been explained and remain unidentified. Bill Kohler, an air traffic controller, is interviewed and confirms seeing the lights, initially thinking they were flares but noting they did not change altitude like flares. Jerry Washington reiterates that the objects seen on a local newscast were clearly not flares, noting their silent, motionless hovering for up to an hour. He expresses a pragmatic view that these objects simply exist.

Filer's File

This section, sourced from George Filer, MUFON Eastern Director, highlights mysterious aircraft disappearances and accidents, often preceded by UFO reports. An ex-marine and his son reported seeing a UFO the size of an ocean liner. On Christmas Eve, a Lear Jet disappeared attempting to land in Lebanon, NH, with a reward offered for information on its recovery. Several spectacular UFO videos from Arizona sightings were shown on national TV. A visit to Washington D.C. revealed that many government personnel have had UFO encounters, but ridicule and job threats deter reporting.

New Jersey Sightings

Two Northwest Airline pilots reported a missile-like object near the flight path of the TWA 800 crash. Similar sightings were reported in Minnesota by Northwest Airlines and Delta Airlines pilots. Another Northwest airline crew reported a sighting departing from La Guardia Airport. The Defense Department attributed some sightings to missile tests off Florida, but these were thousands of miles away. Pakistani and Saudi Airlines also reported similar sightings.

MUFON personnel reportedly photographed a cigar-shaped craft in northern New Jersey. On April 3, 1997, Dan Robb witnessed a group of five to six orange lights low in the sky in Tuckerton, NJ. The following evening, two boys reported a low-flying, slow-moving group of orange lights in Millstone, NJ, too large to be conventional aircraft.

Georgia Sighting

John Thompson, GA State Director, reported a sighting of a shiny bullet-shaped object on April 10, 1997. This area has seen over a hundred sightings in the past year. Two female witnesses reported a dramatic daylight UFO sighting. Despite a poll in the LaGrange Daily News suggesting UFO viewers drink corn liquor, John is investigating the case. The newsletter notes that intelligence aboard UFOs seems to enjoy playing tricks, and FAA and local radar deny UFOs, though radar operators are reportedly instructed to deny such sightings.

North Carolina Sighting

On April 5, 1997, Mrs. V. and her husband observed a silent, orangish-yellow, spheroid-shaped object moving rapidly across the sky in Rich Square, NC. It had no blinking lights and approached from the southwest, departing to the northeast. Its size was estimated to be like a dime held at arm's length.

Arizona Sightings (Continued)

Bill Hamilton reports at least four events over Phoenix in recent weeks. One event involved a truck driver observing large amber lights, described as illuminated from within and accompanied by a pulsing red ring of light. These objects were seen near jets taking off from Luke AFB, which accelerated quickly and disappeared into empty air. Luke AFB spokesmen denied calls about strange lights and denied sending up jets, though a Colonel suggested a rogue pilot might be involved. Witnesses in Mesa saw a huge black triangle, initially with seven lights, later with two, moving fast without lights.

Roswell - Internet Chat

Kevin Randle, a leading researcher on the Roswell case, expresses certainty that an extraterrestrial spacecraft crashed in July 1947. The discussion delves into the documentation of an archeological professor involved in the incident. Randle recounts speaking with the professor, who was frail but alive at the time, and regrets not recording the conversation. The professor's wife and daughter did not know about the incident due to threats, but he mentioned it to fellow anthropologist Dr. C. Bertrand Schultz. Lan Fleming questions the veracity of Marcel's claims, particularly regarding his educational background and military record, and suggests that some of Marcel's statements might be misquoted or inaccurate.

Randle defends Marcel, suggesting that discrepancies in his military record might be due to incomplete documentation or honest mistakes in reporting, rather than deliberate lies. He argues that the military record is incomplete, noting the lack of a citation for Marcel's Bronze Star. Randle also suggests that Pratt may have misinterpreted Marcel's statement about air medals. He concludes that the evidence against Marcel is not strong enough to condemn him as a liar, especially considering the potential for simple explanations and the bias of his accusers.

CIA May Release Report on UFOs

Word has been received that the CIA may soon release a report explaining mid-50s UFO sightings as test flights of the U-2 spyplane. The report has been anticipated for years and is reportedly to appear in the latest issue of "STUDIES IN INTELLIGENCE," but no indication of its existence was found on the ODCI web site.

MADAR Project Status

After several months of testing, the MADAR Project has been tabled until the fall. The AAI unit used for UFO detection studies and meteor atmospheric impact study was returned for a full refund. The company selling the AAI is improving its software and sampling rate. The project's time was limited due to improved weather conditions for The Lunascan Project.

Research Publications

Two publications are advertised: "Regional Encounters: The FC Files," a book on close encounter UFO activity, and "The Lunascan Project," an EBTI project using CCD imaging for Lunar Transient Phenomena, offering membership and a newsletter.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing challenges of UFO research in the face of declining public interest and funding, the persistent nature of unexplained aerial phenomena, and the critical examination of evidence and witness testimony. The newsletter appears to maintain a stance of open inquiry, encouraging detailed reporting of sightings while also critically evaluating claims and debunking misinterpretations. There is a clear emphasis on presenting firsthand accounts and investigative findings, even when they challenge official explanations or established narratives. The editor's personal involvement and financial investment in the newsletter underscore a dedication to the subject matter, despite the difficulties encountered.