UFO - 1991 No S

Magazine Overview

This is a special issue of the Norwegian magazine "UFO SPESIALHEFTE" from 1991, volume 10, published by UFO-NORGE. The issue focuses on the "Spitsbergen Case of 1952", detailing the alleged crash of a UFO in June of that year.

The Spitsbergen UFO Crash Case 1952

The main article, "SPITSBERGEN-SAKEN 1952: THE SPITSBERGEN U.F.O. CRASH JUNE. 1952", by Ole Jonny Brænne, delves into the history and details of this enigmatic event. The story posits that Norwegian fighter pilots discovered the wreckage of a flying saucer on Spitsbergen. The object was described as a large, metallic, disc-shaped craft with a plexiglass dome and 46 jets. Initial reports suggested it might be of Soviet origin.

Early Reports and Discoveries

The article traces the origin of the story back to a German newspaper, "Saarbrücker Zeitung", dated June 28, 1952. This report details how six Norwegian jet fighters, during their annual maneuvers over Spitsbergen, experienced radio interference and radar malfunctions as they approached Nordaustlandet. They then observed a large, metallic, circular disc, approximately 40-50 meters in diameter, partially buried in the snow. A damaged cockpit dome was visible. The object was described as having a silvery, metallic sheen and was of unknown origin and construction. The pilots reported their findings from Narvik.

German and International Coverage

A German newspaper, "HN", published an article on July 26, 1954, which brought many new details to light. This article, attributed to Sven Thygesen, highlights a report from the Norwegian military's investigation commission. Colonel Gernod Darnhyl, head of the commission, stated that the crash provided "very many pieces of information" and that the object was "not built by any nation on Earth." He emphasized that its materials were completely unknown to all experts who had examined it, suggesting they were either not found on Earth or were processed using unknown physical and chemical methods. The commission planned to discuss "fantastic facts" with specialists from the USA and Great Britain before releasing a full report, fearing that secrecy could cause panic.

The "Flying Saucer" as a Non-Terrestrial Craft

Colonel Darnhyl also stated that the object was not of Soviet origin, as had been rumored. The investigation aimed to understand the unknown flying objects, and he believed the Spitsbergen material would soon provide a solution to the mystery. The article also mentions that Norwegian fighter pilots, Lieutenants Brobs and Tyllensen, had become special observers of polar regions and believed that flying objects had landed in these areas multiple times, suggesting the North Pole might serve as a base for extraterrestrials. They described seeing these craft land and take off, often accompanied by a flashing, rotating light that obscured the interior.

Scientific Analysis and Speculation

Colonel Darnhyl expressed confidence that a solution to the technical questions surrounding the case would be found within twelve months. He noted that the material from Spitsbergen might only reveal its secrets through "atom smashing" (atomknusing) due to its resistance to extreme temperatures and chemical treatments. Details were to be released after a UFO conference in London or Washington. The commission was also intrigued by reports of TV reception disturbances in Sweden coinciding with UFO sightings, hoping to track the communication systems of these unknown craft.

Further Details and Contradictions

Subsequent articles and books, including Donald E. Keyhoe's "Flying Saucers from Outer Space" (1953), mentioned the Spitsbergen case. The article also references a report from the Uruguayan newspaper "El Nacional" which claimed that Norwegian scientist Hans Larsen Løberg found a flying saucer on Heligoland, not Spitsbergen. Løberg reportedly denied any Russian inscriptions on the craft and described it as 91 feet in diameter with a 70-foot thick middle. He mentioned control room buttons, a lack of visible engines or seams, and a shiny, transparent exterior. Inside, they found material as light as aluminum but very hard, water three times heavier than normal, pills believed to be food, a small radio, and seven charred bodies.

Key Individuals and Organizations

Several individuals are named in connection with the case, including Ole Jonny Brænne (author), Olaf Larsen (flykaptein), Dr. Norsel (rocket expert), Riedel (V-weapon constructor), Colonel Gernod Darnhyl, Lieutenants Brobs and Tyllensen, Sven Thygesen (author), Harold Tom Wilkins, Dr. Waldemar Beck, and Donald E. Keyhoe. The investigation commission was part of the Norwegian Air Force, and the case was also noted in the archives of the CIA.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine's stance, as stated in the "Utgivelse" section, is to independently register and study the UFO phenomenon and to provide information to members and the public. The editorial policy, outlined in the "Redaksjon" section, emphasizes that articles present contributions to understanding UFO phenomena, but the organization and editorial staff are not necessarily responsible for or in agreement with the opinions expressed. The magazine encourages submissions but reserves the right to edit them. The recurring theme is the investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena, with a particular focus on the Spitsbergen incident as a significant case study.

This issue of UFO SPESIAL, dated 1991 and identified as issue number 91, delves into various UFO-related incidents and the investigative efforts surrounding them. The cover story, "U.S. Air Force kom med frukt og helikoptre" (U.S. Air Force came with fruit and helicopters), hints at an operation in Svalbard. The magazine's publisher is UFO SPESIAL, and it is published in Norway.

The Helgoland Incident and Dr. Hans Larsen Løberg

The central narrative revolves around the alleged crash of a flying saucer on the German island of Helgoland and the claims made by a purported Norwegian scientist, Dr. Hans Larsen Løberg. According to Løberg, the craft was forced down by atmospheric pressure changes caused by hydrogen bomb explosions in the Pacific. He claimed the saucer was equipped with a magnetic ray weapon capable of breaking glass, which he linked to a series of unexplained broken car windshields in the USA (Wyoming, Oklahoma City, Pittsburg, and New York). The investigation at Helgoland reportedly found the craft's instruments intact and the bodies of seven men, all burnt beyond recognition.

However, the article casts significant doubt on Dr. Løberg's existence and the veracity of the Helgoland story. Norwegian media, including the newspaper VG, found no record of a scientist named Hans Larsen Løberg in Oslo. The story appears to have originated from an Uruguayan newspaper, El Nacional, which cited a Brazilian source, and was first published in the sensationalist magazine "Sir" in September 1954 by E.W. Grenfell. Further investigations by Danish UFO researcher H.C. Petersen and others found no official confirmation from German authorities or Helgoland residents, and the existence of Dr. Løberg remained unconfirmed.

The Mantell Incident and Broken Windshields

The article also touches upon the Mantell incident, where pilot Thomas K. Bandell reportedly crashed while pursuing a flying saucer. The broken windshield phenomenon is discussed in detail, with Bellingham, Washington, experiencing over 1500 car windshields breaking in a single week. Løberg's theory suggests the magnetic ray cannon from the flying saucer was responsible.

Svalbard and the "Flying Saucer" Stories

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to debunking UFO claims related to Svalbard, Norway. The article scrutinizes stories about alleged UFO crashes and findings in the region, particularly those linked to the 1950s. It references Frank Edwards' book "Flying Saucers - Serious Business" and a supposed correspondence with a member of a Norwegian commission, which the magazine dismisses as fabricated.

Specifically, the magazine addresses reports of a "flying wreck" on Svalbard in the 1950s, which supposedly consisted of unknown materials. It notes that while news agencies reported on potential aircraft wreckage and mysterious objects, no official results were ever published. The article also mentions a 1959 operation involving U.S. Air Force planes and Norwegian helicopters searching for a fallen satellite, "Discoverer II," in Svalbard, which yielded no results.

Debunking and Skepticism

Throughout the issue, there is a strong emphasis on skepticism and debunking. The Condon Report is cited as having dismissed the Spitsbergen case as having no basis in fact. Various researchers and organizations, including NICAP, SUFOI, and CENAP, are mentioned in their attempts to verify or refute these claims, often concluding that the stories are baseless or fabricated.

The article highlights how UFO stories can be distorted, combined, and perpetuated over time, often through sensationalist reporting and a lack of rigorous investigation. It points out instances where stories have been misattributed or where supposed sources, like the "Stuttgarter Tageblatt," appear to be non-existent or misinterpreted.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of alleged UFO crashes and sightings, the role of sensationalism in UFO reporting, and the challenges of verifying such claims. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical, aiming to expose fabricated stories and highlight the lack of credible evidence for many widely circulated UFO incidents. The magazine emphasizes the importance of critical evaluation of sources and the tendency for UFO narratives to evolve and become embellished over time, often lacking any factual basis.

This issue of UFO SPESIAL, identified as issue 91, focuses heavily on the "Spitsbergen-saken 1952" (The Spitsbergen Case 1952), presenting a chronological bibliography and detailed analysis of the alleged incident. The magazine's primary aim appears to be debunking the story, presenting evidence and arguments that suggest it is a fabrication.

The Spitsbergen Case 1952: Official Denials and Analysis

The issue begins with a letter dated December 23, 1975, from T. Krog, Head of Research at the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (Forsvarets forskningsinstitutt - FFI), addressed to the Norsk Ufo-Center. FFI denies having any object from the "Spitsbergen case" and states that while they do examine objects from aircraft wrecks and other finds, they have never found anything of non-terrestrial origin. Krog acknowledges that UFO organizations and authorities may share an interest in registering unusual phenomena but suggests disagreements can arise in explaining them. He regrets that FFI has no material to shed light on how the Spitsbergen case originated or reached the press.

A subsequent letter, dated March 28, 1985, from Arild Isegg, Head of Information Division at the Royal Ministry of Defence, to Philip Mantle of The Yorkshire UFO Society, further dismisses the Spitsbergen UFO crash story. Isegg states there is no record of such an incident in the Ministry of Defence and that the story seems "utterly unfounded." He refutes key elements of the alleged event, including Norwegian jets being on maneuvers over Spitsbergen in 1952 (due to lack of airfields and aircraft range), the observation of a "disc-shaped object," and the existence of a named high-ranking army officer. Regarding current policy on UFOs, Isegg explains that military authorities investigate unidentified flying objects as potential airspace intrusions, but the government does not consider extraterrestrial visits to be a policy matter, as no evidence has ever been found.

Examination of Witnesses and Aircraft Capabilities

The article delves into the credibility of various individuals associated with the Spitsbergen case. It mentions Ole Henningsen of SUFOI, who attributed the story to misunderstandings and exaggerations. Mark Ian Birdsall of YUFOS is noted as being convinced of a Soviet-originating object crash, though the article casts doubt on the investigative methods of QUEST. Knut Aasheim is presented as another investigator who provided information. The article also lists several individuals allegedly involved or mentioned in relation to the case, including Flykaptein Olaf Larsen and Rakettspesialist dr. Norsel, noting that some names could not be traced or appear to be fictitious (e.g., Hans Larsen Løberg, Oberst Gernod Darnhyl).

A significant portion of the analysis focuses on the military aircraft available in Norway in 1952. It details the Vampire and F-84 Thunderjet types. The Vampire's range (980 km) is deemed insufficient for operations from mainland Norway to Spitsbergen. While the F-84G had a longer range (1610 km), the article argues that the airfields in Northern Norway were either too short or under construction in 1952, making operations from there impossible. The distance from southern airfields like Sola or Gardermoen to Spitsbergen is calculated to be over 2000 km, making the mission highly improbable, especially considering the claim that aircraft circled the site for an hour.

Legal and International Context

Appendix 2 presents a letter from the Royal Ministry of Justice and Police, dated April 22, 1991, to Ole Jonny Brænne, addressing the Spitsbergen case. This letter clarifies Norway's sovereignty over Svalbard under the Svalbard Treaty of 1920. It emphasizes that while Norway has full sovereignty, Article 9 of the treaty restricts the establishment of naval bases or fortifications and prohibits the use of the archipelago for military purposes. However, it explicitly states that there is no general prohibition against any military activity, and Norwegian military vessels and aircraft are permitted to operate there. The letter also notes that foreign military units require special permission to enter Svalbard airspace.

Conclusion and Recurring Themes

The author of the main article concludes that the Spitsbergen case, along with the Helgoland case, is "pure fabrication" (rent oppspinn). The original authors are accused of having insufficient knowledge of the Norwegian Air Force. Despite the lack of evidence, the author predicts the story will continue to resurface in future publications, fueled by "UFO researchers" who ignore factual arguments. The recurring theme throughout the issue is skepticism towards sensational UFO claims, particularly those involving military involvement and alleged non-terrestrial technology, emphasizing the need for rigorous investigation and factual verification.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The editorial stance of this issue is clearly skeptical and critical of unsubstantiated UFO claims. The magazine prioritizes official denials, technical analysis of military capabilities, and logical reasoning over anecdotal evidence and sensationalism. It highlights the importance of verifiable facts and the potential for misinterpretation or deliberate fabrication in UFO reports. The issue aims to educate readers on the limitations of historical evidence and the importance of critical thinking when evaluating extraordinary claims, particularly those involving military secrecy or advanced technology.

This issue of UFO SPESIAL, identified as issue number 91, appears to be a comprehensive compilation of UFO-related literature, articles, and reports, primarily from Norwegian and international sources, spanning a significant period from 1954 to 1991. The publication is from UFO-NORGE, an organization based in Norway.

Content Overview

The core of this issue is an extensive, numbered list of references, starting from item 16 and going up to item 165. Each entry typically includes a title of an article or book, the author(s), the publication name, and the date or year of publication. The references cover a wide range of sources, including magazines, newspapers, books, and personal correspondence. There is a notable emphasis on incidents related to Spitsbergen and Helgoland.

Key publications and authors frequently cited include:

• Donald E. Keyhoe: Mentioned multiple times for works like "Flying Saucers Uncensored" and "Hemmelige Rapporter Om Flygende Tallerkener."
• Frank Edwards: Appears with several entries, including "The Fortec Conspiracy" and "Hvem Hva Hvor."
• Dorothy Kilgallen: Cited for reports in the Journal American, Washington Post, and Miami Herald.
• William L. Moore & Gary C. Magnusson: Frequently cited for their work on the "Spitzbergen Saucer Crash."
• Eugen Semitjov: Contributes with works like "De Otroliga Tefaten" and "Det ryska UFO-mysteriet."
• UFO-Nachrichten: A recurring German publication.
• Flying Saucer Review: A prominent British publication.
• UFO-Aktuellt: A Swedish publication.

Several entries are marked with "IKKE SETT!" (Not Seen!), indicating that the item was listed in another source but not directly examined by the compilers of this list.

The issue also contains sections detailing the organization UFO-NORGE, its purpose, and its activities. It defines its mission as collecting, processing, and studying UFO information in Norway, conducting public information campaigns, and fostering contact between UFO enthusiasts nationally and internationally. UFO-NORGE aims to build a network for registering UFO incidents and investigating them.

UFO-NORGE's Activities and Contributions

Editorial and Submission Guidelines

The magazine welcomes articles and contributions, requesting them to be typewritten with double spacing. Illustrations (photos or drawings) should be in black and white, with clear placement instructions. The editorial team reserves the right to edit or shorten submissions. They also accept text and images on PC diskettes (5 1/4 inch, 360 KB or 1.2 MB DOS diskettes) in Word Perfect 4.2 or later format. Readers willing to translate articles from other languages are encouraged to contact the editors.

Information Folder

UFO-NORGE encourages readers to help promote the organization by distributing their information folders.

Support Fund

The organization appeals for financial support through its "STØTTEFOND FOR UFO-NORGE" (Support Fund for UFO-Norway). Donations can be made via postgiro (account number 08 09 3 07 08 10), with the payment marked "STØTTEFONDET."

Books Sought

A section titled "FØLGENDE BØKER ETTERSØKES" (The Following Books Are Sought) lists numerous UFO-related books that the organization is looking to acquire. This list includes titles from authors like J. Allen Hynek, Jacques Vallée, John Spencer, and many others, covering a broad spectrum of UFO literature.

Contact Information

Contact details are provided for UFO-NORGE, including a postal address in Duken and Bergen for general inquiries and support fund donations, respectively. A specific contact person, Ole Jonny Brænne, is listed with an address in Drammen and a telephone number for those who might have knowledge of additional sources or wish to contribute copies of materials.

Acknowledgements

The issue concludes with acknowledgements thanking individuals who assisted in the publication of this special issue, including Pat Bontempo, Ole Henningsen, Mentz Kaarbø, and Anders Liljegren.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the comprehensive cataloging of UFO literature and the promotion of UFO research and awareness within Norway and internationally. The editorial stance is one of diligent information gathering, investigation, and dissemination, encouraging reader participation and support. The organization appears to be a central hub for UFO enthusiasts in Norway, actively seeking to expand its knowledge base and reach.

The extensive list of references suggests a strong focus on documenting the history and breadth of UFO literature, with a particular interest in specific incidents like those at Spitsbergen and Helgoland, and in the work of prominent researchers in the field.