 Category 11 Case Directory SIGHTINGS FROM AIRCRAFT Preliminary Rating: 5 |
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| AVCAT is a special project being conducted
by NICAP, with the help and cooperation of the original compiler of
AIRCAT, Dr. Richard Haines, and other sources, to create a
comprehensive listing of sightings from aircraft with detailed
documentation from these sources, including Projects SIGN, GRUDGE &
BLUE BOOK. |
The
Killian Case
Feb. 24, 1959
Williamsport, Pennsylvania
Feb. 24, 1959
Williamsport, Pennsylvania
| 8:20 p.m. local Duration 40 mins aircraft DC-6B United States |
Commercial 37+ observers No EMI No radar contact |
| Fran Ridge: Feb. 24, 1959; Williamsport, Pennsylvania (BBU) 8:20 p.m. A scheduled American Airlines flight from Newark to Detroit encountered three lights over Pennsylvania. The initial detection took place when the aircraft was 13 miles west of Williamsport. The lights remained at about the 9 o'clock position for 40 minutes, providing an opportunity for many of the 35 passenger to observe them. They were also observed by the crews of two other planes flying much farther to the south, as well as by the tower operators in Pittsburgh. PA. (Over 80 documents found in Blue Book files by Dan Wilson. See below) Richard Hall: The sighting of three glowing objects by several airline
crews February 24, 1959 is one of the most thoroughly investigated
(and, ironically, one of the most controversial) on record. The key
witness, Captain Peter W. Killian, was interviewed by NICAP personnel.
A detailed investigation report, including weather data, air navigation
maps, etc., was submitted to NICAP by the New York City Affiliate. The
Akron UFO Research Committee cooperated in the investigation, adding
valuable details. Other published references are listed in the Section
Notes (43). The Air Force later attributed the sighting to a refueling
mission involving a tanker and jet bombers flashing brilliant lights.
Discrepancies in this explanation are discussed in Section IX. (Source:
UFO EVIDENCE, Pages 42).
Detailed reports and documents reports/590224williamsport_report1.htm (Richard Hall) reports/590224williamsport_report2.htm (Dr. Willy Smith) reports/590224williamsport_report3.htm (Dan Wilson) |