UFO Research Newsletter - 1972 08 09 - Vol 02 No 05

Magazine Overview

This issue of the UFO Research Newsletter, Vol. II, No. 5, published monthly by UFO Research Associates, covers the period of August-September 1972. The cover headline highlights "AIRLINE PILOTS REPORTS TOP FANTASTIC WORLDWIDE SIGHTINGS," indicating a focus on credible witness accounts. The newsletter provides a compilation of UFO sightings from various international locations, including South Africa, England, Australia, Canada, and the United States.

Airline Pilots Reports Top Fantastic Worldwide Sightings

The lead article details several compelling sightings. In South Africa, during early July 1972, Captain Chester Chandler of South African Airways and his crew reported a UFO pacing their Boeing 727 near Durban. Ground control confirmed the object was not a known aircraft. Another sighting by a South African Airways crew involved a brown UFO flying under their plane en route to Capetown. Additionally, "dozens of Johannesburg families" witnessed an orange, glowing object moving at high speed. UFOs were also reported over England in May and June.

Objects Land in Park

On June 13, 1972, Shirley Devereux and her parents observed multiple objects, described as a "conglomeration of lights," land in Richmond Park, Surrey, England. The objects hovered about 30 feet above the ground before disappearing. Another sighting involved a cigar-shaped object with a blue light at both ends seen near Bridgend, England, by Police Constable Harris and his father-in-law. Residents of Wingate, England, reported a bright object like an "electric light bulb" with a "terrific noise," which witnesses described as moving, stopping, and then shooting vertically at great speed. Motorist Richard Roberts described a similar object as a "brilliant spinning light" that ascended faster than sound. Journalist Leon Symons reported seeing a bright yellow object with erratic movements in Forest Gate, England.

Australian and Canadian Sightings

In Australia, a glider pilot and friends observed a blue UFO near Wagga, New South Wales, on June 12, 1972. Farmer John Campbell reported seeing a "flying saucer" with a fiery tail near Wagga on June 5, 1972. In Canada, Joe Anderson, Andy Dufrene, and Bob Ashmead reported a UFO pacing their truck for about 50 miles near Paddle Prairie, Alberta, on May 26, 1972, describing it as breaking into segments and rejoining. A man in British Columbia photographed an object hovering over Quadra Island, and four witnesses saw a UFO emitting bright red lights over Campbell River.

UFO Terrorizes Family

A particularly startling report comes from California, where on June 17, 1972, AF personnel and other witnesses observed an object changing color over George AF Base. Darrell Totten reported that a family of four was terrorized by a UFO hovering over their campsite for over three hours, causing distress to their children. Airmen Gary Corley and Randolph Wagoman also saw a large object, estimated at 375 feet in diameter, at George AF Base. One witness was reportedly told by AF personnel that the object was a top-secret vehicle.

Object Paces Truck (Continued)

Further details on the Canadian truck-pacing incident are provided. The object reportedly "broke into segments, wandered around the sky, and then fused together again." It also glided from side to side. Seven photographs were reportedly taken of an object hovering over Quadra Island, British Columbia, described as "dirty chrome" with flashing lights, which then ascended rapidly in a zig-zag course. Canadian officials were examining these photographs.

Fantastic Incident South of Leeds, Alabama

On June 16, 1972, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Taylor reported seeing a saucer explode and land in fragments in their yard near Leeds, Alabama. Taylor described the object as metallic, about six feet in diameter, with a white enamel coating. The underside was lined with fiberglass, and it appeared to contain concentric rings, a tail fin, and an exhaust port. The editor notes skepticism about this case but requests further information.

Policeman and Others See "Recurring" UFO

Since February 1972, the town of Dighton, Kansas, has reportedly been visited by a "round, red-orange and white light." Police Chief M.R. Shelton and his officers observed the object hovering at 300-500 feet, noting that it moved away when patrol cars communicated about it. Shelton also reported chasing the object at speeds up to 100 m.p.h.

Other Sightings

On July 14, 1972, Sharlene Yocum and others in Corvallis, Oregon, saw a UFO with red and white lights that "shot straight up." In Chesapeake, Virginia, Mrs. Edith Ross and Mrs. Ethel L. Moots saw a "lighted ferris wheel" that hovered, moved, and returned to its spot. An object moving erratically over the Gulf of Mexico near Turtle Beach, Florida, was described as orange and cigar-shaped.

Train Crew Observes Maneuvering Objects

In May 1954, the crew of a Southern Pacific freight train near Canby, California, observed two large stationary lights that "made a sidewise leap in space" and then "jumped" back to their original positions. The objects were described as "fat cigars," about 1,200 feet above the ground. The larger object was approximately the diameter of the full moon, and the smaller was about half that size, with rows of orange "windows."

Enquirer UFO Panel Activities Forge Ahead

Dr. Robert F. Creegan reports on the joint activities of the Enquirer scientific panel and the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO). The Enquirer is offering $50,000 for proof of extraterrestrial UFOs and $5,000 for the best evidence. Journalists are investigating well-documented sightings, and scientists are deploying instrument packages for field studies involving triangulation, light diffraction, and detection of ultra-sound. James Lorenzen (APRO) and Dr. J. Allen Hynek are coordinating efforts. Richard Greenwell is involved in plans to investigate alleged "aviones" in Central America. Robert Creegan is tasked with questioning people in Canada and examining UFO files at the National Research Council.

Fawcett Reveals Startling Array of N.C. Reports

George D. Fawcett has compiled UFO sighting reports from North Carolina since 1944, including incidents involving physiological and electro-magnetic effects, physical evidence, occupants, animal reactions, photographs, landed objects, and frightened witnesses. Specific reports include a UFO hitting a chimney and landing in a yard, and a dog disappearing. Several historical sightings from the 1940s and 1950s are detailed, including domed objects, saucers with rotating vents, and objects emitting humming sounds.

UFO With Occupant Lands

Several reports detail landings and potential occupants. In Lumberton, North Carolina, a saucer reportedly landed in a yard after hitting a chimney, and an occupant emerged. In Mt. Airy, North Carolina, witnesses saw a large white object land, with "what looked like a man at the bottom." A silver UFO, described as the largest seen in the state, was observed near Albemarle. Near Thomasville, North Carolina, a metallic, cigar-shaped object with purple lights hovered at about 100 feet altitude, emitting sounds and then heading north at high speed. A report from Mt. Airy describes a cigar-shaped UFO with a revolving yellow light causing a house to vibrate and a witness to experience "imobilizing power" and headaches.

Campers See Object Land

Campers at Mount Mitchell observed a "bell-shaped object" with flashing red lights land about 600 feet away, departing at dawn. AF investigators found ground traces. In Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Art Richardson photographed a bright, mysterious flying object. Mt. Airy, North Carolina, also saw objects with rotating bottoms and "square windows." In Nanner Elk, witnesses saw a UFO emitting a "greenish flourescent glow," which caused their car motor and radio to cease functioning. Three circular imprints were found on the ground the next morning. In Mt. Airy, an oval-shaped UFO with a dome and red and yellow lights was reported.

Craft Creates Multiple Effects

Reports detail various effects caused by UFOs. In Mt. Airy, a UFO with a dome and "windows" frightened a dog, emitted a sound like "a swarm of bees," and a witness saw a humanoid "like a small child." The witness suffered insomnia, headaches, and eye trouble, and three electric clocks ran an hour slower. A UFO near Kings Mountain sounded "like a jet roar." A birdwatcher near Yadkin River photographed a saucer with a turret. In Charlotte, a UFO shot a "searchlight-like beam" onto a dog that then "mysteriously disappeared." In Mt. Airy, a round object with a dome emitted a "faint smell of gunpowder," and the witness felt a "wave of heat" and started shaking.

Sighting Capsules

The newsletter includes "Sighting Capsules" from various locations. Laslo Horecny in Seaside, Oregon, witnessed blue and yellow streaks with a "strange sound." In Tasmania, Australia, Jim Lardy and students saw an object rise, hover, and disappear, changing colors. In Belleville, Ontario, Canada, observers saw two large, bright lights. In Roseburg, Oregon, a bright white object hovered for 35 minutes. In Waltham Forest, England, Sidney Gaskin reported a "ball of fire" leaving "only a piece of wire." In Queenstown, New Zealand, "nine balls of lights" were seen, with some believing metal balls found nearby were from a Russian satellite. Pasadena, California, reported an object with flashing lights that went out and came back on. Near Otorobanga, New Zealand, a "fiery object" was seen. Twelve residents in Bear Lake/Brethren, Michigan, saw a bright white object with prongs and a red light.

Notes and Subscriptions

The final page provides information on subscribing to the UFO Research Newsletter, ordering Dr. J. Allen Hynek's book, and a newspaper clipping service. It also includes a request for subscribers to send in any UFO reports they may have.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently presents a wide range of UFO sightings from diverse locations and witness types, including pilots, police, journalists, and ordinary citizens. The reports often detail unusual object characteristics, behaviors, and effects, such as speed, maneuverability, lights, sounds, and even physical traces or physiological impacts. While the newsletter reports these accounts without overt skepticism, the "Sighting Capsules" section occasionally includes possible explanations like "planetary illusions," "hoax balloon," or "reentry of Cosmos 482 or the breakup of a meteor," suggesting a balanced approach to reporting. The editor's note regarding the Alabama saucer explosion case explicitly states skepticism but a willingness to report the information, indicating an open-minded yet critical editorial stance aimed at gathering data on the phenomenon. The recurring theme is the persistent and widespread nature of UFO sightings across the globe, with a particular emphasis on credible witnesses and detailed descriptions of encounters.