Vimana 21 - No 14

Magazine Overview

Title: VIMANA
Issue: 21
Publication: 4th Quarter 1983
Publisher: Association Dijonnaise de Recherches Ufologiques et Parapsychologiques (ADRUP)
Country: France
Language: French
Price: 10 Francs

This issue of Vimana, a quarterly information bulletin from the ADRUP, delves into two significant cases within the realm of ufology and parapsychology. The cover prominently features a report on the 'Observation of 10 Humanoids' from Savigny-le-Sec in November 1978, and an investigation into whether a UFO left a trace in Echenon on March 11, 1976.

Editorial and Association Information

The editorial section introduces Vimana 21 as the information bulletin of ADRUP, a non-profit association established under the law of July 1, 1901, and a member of the F.F.U. (Fédération Française d'Ufologie). The leadership of the association is detailed, with Martine Geoffroy as President, Jean-Claude Calmettes as Vice-President, Patrice Vachon as Treasurer, Jocelyne Vachon as Secretary, and Patrice Vachon and Patrick Geoffroy handling investigations and contacts. The publication is presented as a collective effort of the association's members, with contributions from researchers and readers being highly valued. The reproduction of articles is permitted with clear source attribution. Subscription and membership details are provided, with active member and supporting member fees at 100 Francs, and a general subscription at 50 Francs. The secretariat's address is given as A.D.R.U.P., 5, rue des Gémeaux, 21220 GEVREY CHAMBERTIN, with a contact telephone number (80)34.37.67. A disclaimer states that published documents are the responsibility of their authors and that their inclusion does not imply ADRUP's endorsement.

Table of Contents (Sommaire)

The table of contents outlines the articles featured in this issue:

• 'LE "TROU" D'ECHENON' by Patrick Geoffroy.
• 'SAVIGNY LE SEC : RR 3 1978' by Patrice Vachon.
• 'L'ETRANGER DU LAREDO' (translation by Martine Geoffroy).
• 'COLLOQUE PLURIDISCIPLINAIRE DE L'INSOLITE EN 1983'.
• 'CONFERENCE A LYON EN 1983 : "L'AMBIANCE PSI"' by Patrick Geoffroy.

Mystery Surrounding a Trace: Echenon - March 11, 1976

This section delves into the Echenon case, referencing a previous article in Vimana 12 that discussed credibility indices for UFO cases. The article highlights the perceived resemblance between the Echenon affair (1976) and cases in Marliens (1967) and Poncey sur l'Ignon (1954), as reported in local press in March 1976. The decision to investigate Echenon is justified by six reasons: it's in the local department (21), no prior investigation had been conducted, the case presented similarities to others, the gendarmerie visited the site, water analyses were performed, and the association's commitment to thoroughly investigate to debunk hoaxes or misidentifications.

An Unusual Discovery

On February 2, 1983, the witness, identified as M.B.L., reported his discovery, or rather his son's discovery, of a hole in the ground on the morning of March 9, 1976, at 10 AM. While spreading fertilizer, his son noticed something abnormal – a hole in the soil. The father, initially dismissive, confirmed the presence of the hole.

The unusual presence of the hole prompted the witness to alert the village mayor, who in turn contacted the gendarmerie of Saint Jean de Losne. The gendarmes documented a hole approximately 5 to 6 meters deep and 16 cm in diameter. The mairie arranged for an analysis of water found at a depth of 1.20 meters within the hole. The discovery attracted numerous curious individuals, journalists, and specialists, to the extent that the field owner had to post a 'PRIVATE' sign.

Some journalists noted similarities between this discovery and two other cited cases. However, apart from the gendarmerie's involvement and the water analysis, no other common points were identified. The article then examines contemporary newspaper reports.

Newspapers and the "Hole"

An article transmitted by a researcher from Nantes presents a potentially inaccurate version of the affair. A report from 'PRESSE OCEAN' on March 20-21, 1976, describes a VNI (Unidentified Flying Object) and a hole 16 cm wide and 8 meters deep that intrigued the inhabitants of Echenon. The gendarmerie opened an inquiry. The hole, discovered by the owner, M.B.L., was described as perfectly bored with no surrounding extraction earth. The article speculates about a possible unexploded projectile, or even a meteorolite or extraterrestrial origin, noting the presence of a curious, petrol-like liquid at the bottom. Gendarmes collected a sample of this liquid. No tire tracks or footprints were visible near the excavation.

Two major dailies in Côte d'Or also reported on the case. 'BIEN PUBLIC' ran a headline: "Mystery and commotion in Echenon around a hole." The article notes that no one ever saw anyone digging the hole, and no earth was found discarded around its edges.

The "Cement Plug"

A "cement plug" was discovered by the field owner, a few meters from the hole. An illustration shows the location of Echenon and surrounding areas on a map, with the 'Emplacement du trou' (location of the hole) marked. The map legend indicates geological and mining works.

Investigation and Findings

The Echenon Hole: A Mystery, but Two Precedents in Côte d'Or

The article reiterates that the Echenon hole was 8 meters deep with an unknown origin, but notes two prior incidents in Côte d'Or. It also mentions that when geological surveys (soundings) are conducted, the mayor is always officially notified.

An Investigation Lasting Seven Months

To clarify the mystery of the Echenon hole, several specialized organizations were contacted. The responses, in chronological order, are presented:

• Gendarmerie of Saint Jean de Losne (March 10, 1983): Stated that no investigation was conducted by their brigade in Echenon on March 11, 1976. However, following a phone call, they visited the site and confirmed the presence of a hole 5 to 6 meters deep. Their inquiry revealed the hole was dug by a drilling company that could not be identified, and the mairie had not been notified. No liquid was collected at that time.
• Institut d'Hygiène et de Bactériologie (April 29, 1983): Analysis of the water from the hole showed it was cloudy, yellow, with a turbidity of 7 degrees silica, and an odor described as 'no hydrocarbon odor'. The resistivity was 1627 OHM XCM at 20°. The laboratory concluded that the water had significant total mineralization, with notable levels of calcium chlorides and sulfates, and nitrates and ammonia, which are signs of pollution. No hydrocarbon odor was perceptible.
• Bureau de Recherches Géologiques et Minières (BRGM) (May 18, 1983): In response to a letter dated April 27, 1983, they suggested it was a backfilled borehole. They noted that the Echenon region had been the subject of numerous soundings and boreholes for oil, geological surveys, and water research. They also stated that boreholes less than 10 meters deep do not require work declarations, implying a shallow borehole could have been executed without official notice.
• BRGM (August 9, 1983): Provided a map showing underground works in the area. They reiterated that boreholes under 10 meters are not declared, and a shallow borehole could have been made within a month.

Discovery of a Second Clue

Following the BRGM's second response (August 5, 1983), the possibility of a backfilled borehole was reinforced. The "cement plug" found by the owner a few months after March 1978, located a few meters from the hole, fit the hole perfectly. This plug was communicated to the BRGM, who confirmed its use in their work.

Our Findings

The article presents a table comparing elements supporting an unidentified case with responses from the investigation. Key points include:

• A - The mairie was not notified, and no declaration was made: The BRGM stated that boreholes under 10 meters do not require declarations.
• B - Presence of a liquid with a curious petrol-like odor: The analyses reported 'no perceptible hydrocarbon odor'.
• C - No traces of tire tracks or footprints: 1976 was a dry year, and prints could have been erased. No one visited the site during that period.
• D - No extraction earth found: Drilling equipment allows for clean removal of material.

Can We Conclude?

The authors conclude that the objections raised by journalists and property owners are overcome by the information provided by specialists. The discovery of the plug reinforces the hypothesis of a borehole. The final step is to identify the company that performed the work, which the association is actively pursuing.

The Methods of Geology

This section provides illustrations and explanations of geological drilling techniques:

• Percussion Sounding (Pioche): Circular holes of a few centimeters to several meters, vertical or oblique, used in hard rock.
• Rotation Sounding: Holes of several meters, using an auger, suitable for softer rocks.
• Carotte: Illustrates a drilling method involving a core sample.
• Injection Head: Shows a system for injecting mud, water, and earth during drilling.
• Sifflet déviateur: A device for deviating the drill path.

A note explains that certain techniques account for the absence of ejected material on the ground and the presence of water in the hole.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Vimana strongly emphasizes detailed investigative journalism within the ufology and parapsychology field. The primary focus is on the Echenon case, where the magazine meticulously analyzes evidence, consults official bodies (gendarmerie, geological surveys), and laboratory results to debunk sensationalist claims and arrive at a more rational explanation. The editorial stance is clearly one of seeking factual evidence and debunking misinterpretations or hoaxes, while remaining open to the unexplained. The Savigny-le-Sec humanoid sighting, though mentioned, receives less in-depth treatment in this particular issue compared to the Echenon hole investigation. The inclusion of articles on unrelated topics like the Laredo stranger and conferences on PSI phenomena suggests a broader interest in the paranormal and anomalous, but the core of this issue is a rigorous, evidence-based approach to a specific UFO-related mystery.

This document appears to be a portion of a UFO investigation journal or magazine, focusing on two distinct cases: one from France in 1978 and another from Mexico in 1948. The content includes detailed witness testimonies, investigative analysis, and supporting documentation.

Case 1: Savigny le Sec, France (1978)

Introduction and Witness Testimony

The primary focus of this section is a UFO observation that occurred approximately four years prior to the publication date, placing it in November 1978. The witness, identified as Mme X. (name withheld for personal and professional reasons), reported an unusual encounter. The ADRUP investigation team spent nearly six months researching this case.

Mme X. recounted that on a Saturday evening in November 1978, after attending an operetta in Dijon, she was driving alone on the road from Is-sur-Tille. Around 00:15-00:30, in cold, dry, and dark conditions, she observed a significant light above the road near the woods of Norges. She stopped her vehicle near a small clearing.

She described the object as an "engin" (craft), not particularly large but elongated, resembling a wagon or an airplane fuselage. It was positioned parallel to the road, near the edge of a small wood. The object was light grey and had square "hublots" (windows), smaller than those of a train, with cut-off angles. Inside, she saw "des tas de bonhommes" (lots of little men).

Description of the Entities

The "bonhommes" were described as smaller than the witness, approximately 1.20m tall, wearing a one-piece light grey suit without buttons. They appeared disproportionate, with their heads seemingly merging into their shoulders, lacking a distinct neck. Their most striking feature was their disproportionately large, globular eyes. The witness could not recall if they had a mouth, but noted they had a flat nose and no visible ears. She observed their skin, which was not covered by a helmet or gas mask, and described it as "plissée" (wrinkled). She found them to be "antipathiques" (unpleasant) and described them as "monstres" (monsters), expressing fear.

Witness's Actions and Hesitation

Mme X. stated she drove past slowly, not hearing anything. She was preoccupied with her driving and did not stop. She mentioned having a camera in her car but was too scared to use it. She did not encounter anyone else on the road. Upon returning home, she was hesitant to speak about the experience, only doing so months later after seeing articles about UFOs and finding the investigators' address. Her husband and son were present during the interview.

Analysis of the Witness and Testimony

The investigators found no contradictions in Mme X.'s account, even when repeating questions. They described her as a calm woman in her forties, not prone to fabricating stories, as confirmed by her husband. Notably, she claimed not to read science fiction but mentioned her father, a gendarme, had shown her a book about humanoids.

Analysis of the Observation

The location was identified as near Savigny le Sec, and the route was familiar to the investigators. The duration of the observation was brief. The witness stated she almost stopped, driving at 4-5 km/h. Estimating the object's length at 30 meters, she would have passed it in about 30 seconds. The investigators concluded the observation was short, and while the overall shape was retained, details might have been influenced by interpretation.

Description of the Object

The witness reiterated that the object was not a truck but resembled a wagon. The investigators noted that the witness retained a general schema of the object but provided more precise details about the entities, which had shocked her more.

The Date and Hypothesis

The witness could not pinpoint the exact date but recalled it was the first or second Saturday in November 1978, coinciding with an operetta performance at the Dijon opera. The investigators developed a hypothesis based on information about significant French Air Force maneuvers in November 1978, specifically a defense capability test at the Longvic Air Base (BA 102). They found that the first and second Saturdays of November featured the operetta "L'auberge du Cheval Blanc" and ballets, respectively.

An article in "Bien Public" on November 13, 1978, stated the maneuvers concluded on November 17. This suggested the observation date was likely Saturday, November 11, 1978. The investigation then shifted towards Air Force command posts.

Military Confirmation and NBC Context

The commander of BA 102 confirmed the existence of maneuvers in the second week of November 1978 and that the described location corresponded to a command post set up by the command. Efforts to find documents about the command post and the uniforms worn during these "Top Secret" NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) maneuvers were largely unsuccessful. However, the Air Force provided photos of a "Tente type 54" (Type 54 Tent), and American NBC suits were found in a magazine. The investigators suggested French suits were likely similar.

Object and Entity Comparison

The document includes images comparing the described object to a "Tente type 54" and the entities to NBC suits. The description of the entities was noted to "stick" perfectly to the NBC suit characteristics: the suit's high collar and helmet giving the impression of a direct connection between head and trunk (no neck), the suit being one-piece, the mask having a flat nose, the suit hiding ears, the mask's eyes being large and bulging, the mouth being hidden, the suit's numerous folds creating a "plissée" appearance, and the witness not mentioning hair, possibly because the helmets matched the suit color.

Conclusion of the Savigny Case

The investigators concluded that their hypothesis aligned perfectly with the case, without discrediting the witness. They noted the witness's strong negative reaction when presented with the military hypothesis, interpreting it as a defense mechanism against the shattering of her perceived reality. They suggested that interpretation might occur in fractions of seconds, influenced by inner aspirations. The document ends by stating the case is not closed.

Case 2: Laredo, Texas / Nuero Leon, Mexico (1948)

Article from "Search Magazine"

This section presents an article titled "L'ETRANGER DU LAREDO" (The Stranger from Laredo), reprinted from "Search Magazine" (Spring 1983).

Date and Location

The incident allegedly occurred on July 7, 1948, around 14:20 local time, in the state of Nuero Leon, Mexico, about thirty miles south of Laredo, Texas. The source is not specified.

Witness Accounts and Crash Details

Numerous witnesses, including Mexican military authorities, army units, and an officer from "Naval Intelligence," were present at the crash site. An Air Force colonel reportedly followed the UFO by radar and visually before it experienced mechanical failure and crashed. Upon arrival, witnesses found a circular, disc-shaped object, approximately 27 meters in diameter, which was burning.

A severely burnt body was found seated within the structure. The crash site was cordoned off, and photographs were taken of the craft and its occupant. A C-47 transport plane arrived to remove the body. The wreckage was dismantled, and parts were loaded onto American and Mexican trucks, heading towards Laredo and Monterrey, respectively.

Description of the "Stranger"

The burnt body measured approximately 1.35 meters in length, with a disproportionately large head compared to the rest of the body. The eyes were destroyed by fire, but the remaining sockets were larger than human ones. No ears or nose were visible, but openings suggested their prior existence. The mouth was a slit without teeth, tongue, or lips.

Autopsy and Extraordinary Details

The autopsy revealed unusual findings: no striated muscle fibers in the extremities, a metallic articulation at the elbow of the right arm, and no hair on the head or body.

Commentary and Further Witnesses

Details of this case were first revealed by UFO investigator Leonard Stringfield at a MUFON symposium in Dayton, Ohio, in 1978. According to him, researcher Todd Zechel discovered three American witnesses.

1. A "Grand-Prévôt" (likely a high-ranking officer) from the Carson Air Force Base, who delimited the crash site. This witness claimed the UFO was a 27m metallic disc with a deceased "foreigner" aboard.
2. An Air Force colonel who saw the UFO pass him while flying east over Texas. Upon returning to Dias Air Force Base, operators had tracked the UFO before it crashed approximately 30 miles from the Mexican border near Laredo. He and his pilot flew to the crash site, where military personnel were already present. The object had a dome, and they were not allowed to see it.
3. A U.S. Naval Intelligence officer from Mexico City rushed to the site just as the craft was being loaded onto military trucks.

No new information emerged until Charles Wilhem of Fairfield, Ohio, released two photographs to the Associated Press showing the burnt UFO pilot at the crash site in Mexico in 1948.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of the magazine appears to adopt a rigorous, analytical approach to UFO phenomena. The Savigny le Sec case, in particular, highlights the investigators' methodology of seeking rational explanations, even when they challenge the witness's initial perceptions. The editorial stance seems to favor grounded, evidence-based research over sensationalism or myth-making, as suggested by the concluding remarks about the importance of "recherche vraie" (true research) and avoiding the "forger un mythe" (forging a myth).

The magazine also seems to be interested in historical UFO cases, as evidenced by the inclusion of the 1948 Laredo crash, suggesting a broad scope in its investigations. The emphasis on witness credibility, detailed analysis, and the potential for military involvement are recurring themes.

This document, comprising pages 17 through 22, appears to be a section from a French-language publication discussing unexplained phenomena. It includes an analysis of a purported UFO crash, details of a multidisciplinary colloquium on the unusual, and a report on a conference about parapsychology.

Debunking a UFO Crash Case

The first article (page 17) scrutinizes a case involving photographs claimed to be evidence of a UFO crash. It details the involvement of Willard F. Mc Intyre of MARcEN and a fourth witness whose identity remained unknown. Mc Intyre submitted the photographs to Ground Saucer Watch (GSW) for analysis. The GSW's photographic examination concluded that the entity in the photos was a normal laboratory monkey, likely used by the US government for military rocket tests in 1948.

Further critical examination by UFO investigator James Oberg in 1981 revealed significant errors in the source's narrative. Oberg pointed out that the 'Dias' airbase was actually Dyess Air Force Base, which only became operational in 1953, contradicting the alleged 1948 date of the case. The source also claimed an alien craft was tracked by the Dew Line radar at speeds exceeding 3200 km/h, but Oberg noted the Dew Line was not operational until mid-1957. Additionally, the claim that F-94 interceptors approached the UFO was challenged, as the F-94 prototype only flew in July 1949. Oberg also noted that an L-19 aircraft, supposedly used to transport five photography experts to the site, could only carry two people. Oberg concluded the case was a hoax orchestrated by someone with an "unreserved imagination."

Willard Mc Intyre is suggested as potentially responsible for perpetuating this hoax. The photos were later broadcast on national television in the PBS series NOVA on October 12, 1982, with the indication that they likely depicted a severely burned pilot test. The article concludes that the photos do not represent a UFO crash or an alien.

Colloque Pluridisciplinaire de l'Insolite (Dijon, May 28-29, 1983)

Pages 18-19 describe the second colloquium on the unusual organized by ADRUP in Francheville, near Dijon. Four associations were represented: GEPO (Paris-based, studying ufology and other unusual phenomena), LES AMATEURS D'INSOLITE (Macon-based, covering UFOs, parapsychology, mysterious archaeology, hypnosis), CEMOCPI (Saint-Etienne region, focusing on parapsychology, local unusual history, archaeology, legends), and the organizing group ADRUP.

Presentations included:

• Les Sectes (Cults): An exposé by Thierry Rocher (GEPO) based on a Parisian student's thesis, examining the nature, activities, origins, and financial/recruitment methods of cults.
• Le Mont Pilat et ses Mystères (The Mont Pilat and its Mysteries): A one-hour slideshow by Stèphanois researchers detailing the history of the site, legends associated with Béatrix de Roussillon, and the mysterious singing stone.
• La Publicité Mensongère en Parapsychologie (False Advertising in Parapsychology): A slide projection by P. Geoffroy exposing fraudulent advertising practices in parapsychology, including fake correspondence courses, bogus institutes, and the abusive sale of magical electronic gadgets.
• Le Mystère des Tapisseries de Notre Dame de Beaune (The Mystery of the Tapestries of Notre Dame de Beaune): Patrice Vachon presented research with Jean-Claude Calmettes, demonstrating that the mystery involving flying saucers depicted in tapestries was merely a hypothesis. This symbolic representation yielded its enigma (referencing VIMANA 21, No. 13).
• Carnac et ses Alignements: Friends from CEMOCPI presented the history of the site and discoveries made there, acknowledging many remaining insoluble questions about the megalithic structures.
• Projet d'Etude sur les Poltergeist (Study Project on Poltergeists): Patrick Geoffroy presented a study project on minor hauntings and spectral apparitions, with an ongoing compilation of archives and planned analysis of cases from the Côte d'Or region.

The section "Pourquoi un colloque de l'insolite?" explains the motivation behind the colloquium: a perceived fear among some UFO researchers of discussing parapsychology. The ADRUP, with 6 members, hosted GEPO (2 researchers), LES AMATEURS D'INSOLITE (5 members), and CEMOCPI (2 representatives). The event concluded with congratulations to the Stèphanois for their presentations and thanks to all participants.

Conference: "L'Ambiance Psi" (Lyon, June 5, 1983)

Pages 20-22 report on a conference organized by ADRUP at the Société d'Etudes Psychiques de Lyon, focusing on parapsychology. The conference aimed to cover three distinct but related aspects.

Introduction and Welcome: The ADRUP team was warmly welcomed by M. Gouron of the S.E.P. A reciprocal presentation of the two associations followed, highlighting their different organizational approaches and ideas.

The Conference: The salle was filled with 50-60 people. M. Gouron briefly introduced the event before the speaker, who presented an overview of ADRUP, its objectives, and the work of its parapsychology commission. This commission's work was summarized in 8 points: archiving press clippings and PSI journals, investigating hauntings in Côte d'Or, compiling historical records of apparitions and miracles, creating a photo file, studying abusive commercialization, a "PSI Contact" experimental project, and the use of hypnosis for PSI.

The 'Psi Ambiance': The main topic, "l'ambiance PSI," was defined by four parameters: psycho-sociological, sensory, geographical, and temporal localization. The study of this ambiance involved three types of activities: observation evenings (about twenty), hypnosis sessions (about thirty), and Psi sessions (70 over two years, excluding spiritism).

Examples of observation evenings were provided:

• June 20-21, 1981: Six people observed a large, luminous, pulsating white point source with pronounced movements. They experienced sensations of "deaf vibrations," calm, cold, and well-being, leading to great satisfaction. The accompanying animal growled, and infra-red photos were taken.
• Same night, 20 km away: Two people saw a white luminous ball with pronounced movements, experiencing calm, well-being, and a sensation of levitation. Dogs barked, and footsteps were heard.
• June 21, 4:45-5:00 AM, Dijon: Two people separately observed a small white-grey cloud that turned pink and faded, leaving them captivated, content, serene, and calm. Low-frequency sounds were perceived.

The article emphasizes that these examples are presented not for the UFO observations themselves, but for the similar sensations experienced by people who were not in contact.

Hypnosis Sessions: The second aspect discussed was hypnosis sessions, with results and findings presented. Two examples were given: some highly convincing and verified results, and instances where hypnotized subjects knew information not understood by others.

Psi Sessions: The third aspect was presented cautiously. These "sessions" were passive and distinct from spiritism, though some dangers were noted. Advantages included greater open-mindedness, a new approach to parapsychology, and avoiding being confined to certain notions. Disadvantages included the risk of people unaccustomed to such environments becoming lost in a "too wonderful" world.

The conference included a projection of written and drawn documents illustrating how the "psyche" can externalize coded, symbolic information. The event concluded with questions and a social gathering.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The publication consistently explores the fringes of the unexplained, dedicating significant space to both UFO phenomena and parapsychology. There's a clear investigative approach, evident in the detailed debunking of the 1948 crash case and the structured reporting of the colloquium and conference. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking to analyze and understand these phenomena, whether by debunking hoaxes or by presenting research findings from various groups. The separation of UFOlogy from parapsychology is noted as a point of discussion, with the colloquium aiming to bridge this gap. The emphasis on empirical observation, photographic analysis, and critical examination of evidence suggests a commitment to a rational, albeit open-minded, approach to the unexplained.