Top 100 UFO Cases - Revealed!

Hot on the heels of my article demystifying the Dogon "mystery", here is another ATS newsletter reject that I'd like to share:

As always, if you want more articles like this one, flag this article by clicking on the flag thread button - slightly up and to the left of this post.



"Top 100 UFO Cases - Revealed!"
By Isaac Koi.
Copyright 2008.

Synopsis

Details of masses of UFO cases can be found on the Internet.

Which are best cases amongst that mass of material?

In this article I unveil (for the first time on a public forum) the “Top 100” UFO cases based on the frequency of their discussion within 963 UFO/SETI books.

If ufologists wrote books solely with the objective of presenting the best available evidence, then the most frequently discussed cases would be the ones that the most authors regarded as the best cases.

Does the resulting list accord with your view as to the best cases? If not, which cases would you add or remove? Why?

This article is in 3 sections:

Section 1: Introduction
Section 2: The “Top 100” UFO Cases
Section 3: Some comments on the above list

Kind Regards,

Isaac Koi

[edit on 21-1-2008 by IsaacKoi]

[edit on 21-1-2008 by IsaacKoi]

Section 1: Introduction

I’d like to see ufologists focus on the best UFO cases, rather than get distracted by each new blurred photograph or fantastic story that comes along.

So, what are the “best UFO cases”?

That is a rather difficult question to answer…

Ufologists regularly complain that skeptics fail to address the best UFO cases.

On the other hand, skeptics frequently complain that “believers” refuse to nominate the best cases.

If UFO proponents wish to persuade scientists to examine the evidence for the alleged objective reality of UFOs, then it is not unreasonable to expect those UFO proponents to make serious efforts to identify the material which the scientists should focus upon.

Unparticularised suggestions to read the “UFO literature” or “witness reports” are simply poor advocacy, given the relevant mass of material and the variability of its quality. Scientists and skeptics are only human. They will keep going as long as the initial material gains their interest. If (as many UFO-proponents claim) they wish to encourage serious study of UFO reports by scientists, why not refer them to the best material to get their attention?

One online debate about UFOs and aliens began with one individual asserting that it is “obviously true they are out there". When challenged to state the facts in support of his statement he responded in the following way: "try googling UFO reports and sightings etc....and any decent site that comes up on google or any other search engine for that matter will be my facts" (see Footnote 1).

Unsurprisingly, the skeptics involved in that discussion did not find this suggestion very helpful or persuasive.

It is not merely those new to ufology that make such statements to skeptics. When asked to provide evidence for UFOs, the astronomer and famous ufologist J Allen Hynek would respond sarcastically “Where do you want the truck to stop?” (see Footnote 2).

Various ufologists have produced lists of their best cases. There are also several lists which represent (or at least have been said to represent) a consensus of leading ufologists on this issue. I’ll consider several of those lists in a separate series of articles.

As an alternative approach, however, I thought that it might be interesting to find out which UFO cases are most frequently discussed in books about ufos and SETI.

If ufologists wrote books solely with the objective of presenting the best available evidence, then the most frequently discussed cases would be the ones that the most authors regarded as the best cases.

About four or five years later, and having been through 963 UFO and SETI books noting each discussion of various UFO cases, I have now drawn up a list of the “Top 100” cases based on the frequency of discussion within this (relatively large) sample of books.

The results may be compared to a “Top 100” music chart based on the number of sales of a CD.

Section 2: The “Top 100” UFO Cases

The “Top 100” UFO cases, according to the methodology outlined in Section 1 of this article, are …

(Drum roll please…)


1. 359 references : Kenneth Arnold's first sighting (1947)

Businessman/pilot Kenneth Arnold of Boise, Idaho claims to see 9 objects flying “like a saucer would if you skipped it across the water” near Mount Rainer in the Cascade Mountains in Washington State on 24 June 1947.

Arnold’s report to the USAF is available online at:
www.project1947.com...

For links to various relevant documents and articles online see:
www.nicap.org...

Official US documents about this incident can be found online. See the material on the ambitious “Project Blue Book Archive” website in relation to Project Sign Incident Number 17 and also Project Blue Book Case Number 10, which commences at the links provided (and continues on the pages which follow them).

As part of a survey by the Fortean Times in 2007 of various researchers of the ten cases from 1947 onwards that interested them the most, ufologist Peter Brookesmith indicated that this incident was one of two UFO cases with the “the greatest cultural effect”.

This incident came fourth in a survey in 1965 by Jacques Vallee of the opinion of various UFO groups as to the most significant UFO sightings. It also featured in a document (“the Rockefeller Briefing Document”) endorsed by Dr Mark Rodeghier (President of CUFOS), Richard Hall (Chairman of FUFOR) and Walter Andrus (President of MUFON) as containing “the best available evidence for the existence of UFOs”.

This incident has featured in the following:

• a list of Dennis Balthaser’s “ten favourite cases” in an article in the MUFON Journal in 2003.
  
• a list of twenty UFO cases produced by Bruce Maccabee in 1999 in response to a challenge to produce “the best evidence for an extraterrestrial origin for the UFO phenomenon”.
  
• a list by Don Berliner of “the top 10 cases of World Ufology” in an interview made available on the UFO UpDates discussion List on 14 January 2007.
  

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 177599, amongst other threads.

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1947.0624)



2. 292 references : Betty and Barney Hill abduction (1961)

Betty and Barney Hill claim to have been abducted during night of 19th-20th September 1961 while driving near Indian Head, just south of Littleton, New Hampshire, USA. (Commonly referred to as “the Hills Abduction”). This incident was Project Blue Book Case Number 7641.

As part of a survey by the Fortean Times in 2007 of various researchers of the ten cases from 1947 onwards that interested them the most:

• ufologist Stanton Friedman indicated that this incident was his “top case”. Similarly, in comments in 2006 he referred to this incident as “my favorite”.
  
• ufologist Peter Brookesmith indicated that this incident was one of two UFO cases with the “the greatest cultural effect”.
  

This incident has featured in the following:

• a list of the ten “best” case published by Ronald Story in his book “UFOs and the Limits of Science” (1981).
  
• a list by Don Berliner of “the top 10 cases of World Ufology” in an interview made available on the UFO UpDates discussion List on 14 January 2007.
  
• a list by James Carrion, the International Director of the Mutual UFO Network, of the “top 10 cases” in an interview in 2006.
  
• a list of Dennis Balthaser’s “ten favourite cases” in an article in the MUFON Journal in 2003.
  
• a list of cases produced by Thomas E Bullard for the Fortean Times in 2007 as part of a survey of various researchers of the ten cases from 1947 onwards that interested them the most.
  
• a list of cases produced by Hilary Evans for the Fortean Times in 2007 as part of a survey of various researchers of the ten cases from 1947 onwards that interested them the most.
  

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 138294.

For links to various relevant documents and articles online see:
www.nicap.org...

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1961.0919)




3. 231 references : George Adamski encounters (1950s)

Purported contactee during the 1950s.

George Adamski is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 281804.

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1953.0000)





4. 228 references : Roswell crash (1947)

Alleged UFO crash during June/July 1947.

As part of a survey by the Fortean Times in 2007 of various researchers of the ten cases from 1947 onwards that interested them the most, British ufologists Dave Clarke and Andy Roberts indicated that they considered this incident the “most over-hyped UFO case”.

In an interview in 1998, Kevin Randle said that Roswell was his "favourite" case.

This incident has featured in the following:

• a list of cases produced by Stanton Friedman for the Fortean Times in 2007 as part of a survey of various researchers of the ten cases from 1947 onwards that interested them the most.
  
• a list by Don Berliner of “the top 10 cases of World Ufology” in an interview made available on the UFO UpDates discussion List on 14 January 2007.
  
• a list of Dennis Balthaser’s “ten favourite cases” in an article in the MUFON Journal in 2003.
  
• a list by James Carrion, the International Director of the Mutual UFO Network, of the “top 10 cases” in an interview in 2006.
  

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 142871.

For links to various relevant documents and articles online see:
www.roswellfiles.com...
www.project1947.com...
www.nicap.org...
www.cufos.org...
ufologie.net...

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1947.0708)





[edit on 21-1-2008 by IsaacKoi]

5. 180 references : Socorro sighting by Lonnie Zamora (April 1964)

Report of landed UFO with nearby crew by Deputy Lonnie Zamora sighting near Socorro, New Mexico on 24 April 1964. This incident was Project Blue Book Case Number 8766.

This incident came first in a survey in 1965 by Jacques Vallee of the opinion of various UFO groups as to the most significant UFO sightings. As part of the same survey, NICAP included this case in a list of 5 cases which it nominated as being the best.

J Allen Hynek has said in relation this incident that it was “one of the soundest, best substantiated reports as far as it goes”.

This incident featured in a document (“the Rockefeller Briefing Document”) endorsed by Dr Mark Rodeghier (President of CUFOS), Richard Hall (Chairman of FUFOR) and Walter Andrus (President of MUFON) as containing “the best available evidence for the existence of UFOs”.

This incident has featured in the following:

• a list of twenty UFO cases produced by Bruce Maccabee in 1999 in response to a challenge to produce “the best evidence for an extraterrestrial origin for the UFO phenomenon”.
  
• a list by Don Berliner of “the top 10 cases of World Ufology” in an interview made available on the UFO UpDates discussion List on 14 January 2007.
  
• a list of Dennis Balthaser’s “ten favourite cases” in an article in the MUFON Journal in 2003.
  

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 231524.

For links to various relevant documents and articles online see: www.nicap.org...

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1964.0424)





6. 179 references : Thomas F Mantell attempted intercept (January 1948)

Captain Thomas F Mantell Jr (Air National Guard F-51 Mustang fighter pilot) dies during attempted intercept near Godman Air Force Base (near Fort Knox), Kentucky on 7 January 1948.

This incident came fifth in a survey in 1965 by Jacques Vallee of the opinion of various UFO groups as to the most significant UFO sightings.

Official US documents about this incident can be found online. See the material on the ambitious “Project Blue Book Archive” website in relation to Project Sign Incident Number 30 Project Sign Incident Number 32, Project Sign Incident Number 33, Project Sign Incident Number 48 and also Project Blue Book Case Number 136, which commences at the links provided (and continues on the pages which follow them).

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 325088.

For links to various relevant documents and articles online see:
www.nicap.org...
A detailed paper by Kevin Randle discussing this sighting available online at: www.virtuallystrange.net...

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1948.0107)




7. 174 references : Antonio Villas-Boas abduction (1957)

Antonio Villas-Boas claimed to have been abducted at about 1am on 16 January 1957), near Sao Francico de Salles in Minas Gerais, Brazil.

This incident has also featured in a list of cases produced by Greg Bishop for the Fortean Times in 2007 as part of a survey of various researchers of the ten cases from 1947 onwards that interested them the most.

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 325549.

Further relevant material can be found on numerous websites, including:
www.ufodigest.com...
www.conspiracyarchive.com...

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1957.1016)




8. 171 references : Washington National sightings (July 1952)

Several radar/visual sightings occur near Washington DC during July 1952 and receive considerable publicity. (Commonly referred to as “the Washington National sightings”).

Official US documents about this incident can be found online. See the material on the ambitious “Project Blue Book Archive” website in relation to Project Blue Book Case Number 1649 and Project Blue Book Case Number 1661, which commences at the links provided (and continues on the pages which follow them).

This incident came second in a survey in 1965 by Jacques Vallee of the opinion of various UFO groups as to the most significant UFO sightings.

This incident came seventh in an online poll conducted in March/April 2006 by Paul Kimball of “the UFO case with the ‘best evidence’ ever”. This incident has also featured in a list by Paul Kimball of his own nominations for the top 10 cases.

This incident also featured in a document (“the Rockefeller Briefing Document”) endorsed by Dr Mark Rodeghier (President of CUFOS), Richard Hall (Chairman of FUFOR) and Walter Andrus (President of MUFON) as containing “the best available evidence for the existence of UFOs”.

Furthermore, this incident has featured in the following:

• a list by Don Berliner of “the top 10 cases of World Ufology” in an interview made available on the UFO UpDates discussion List on 14 January 2007.
  
• a list by James Carrion, the International Director of the Mutual UFO Network, of the “top 10 cases” in an interview in 2006.
  
• a list of Dennis Balthaser’s “ten favourite cases” in an article in the MUFON Journal in 2003.
  

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 133876.

For links to various relevant documents and articles online (including Project Blue Book documents and CAA report) see:
www.nicap.org...
www.cufon.org...

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1952.0700)

9. 142 references : Pascagoula abduction (1973)

Charles Hickson and Calvin Parker claim to have been abducted by alien robots and taken aboard a saucer in Pascagoula, Mississippi, USA on 11 October 1973. Commonly referred to as “the Pascagoula abduction”.

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 321326.

For links to various relevant documents and articles online see:
www.nicap.org...

This incident featured in a list of cases produced by Greg Bishop for the Fortean Times in 2007 as part of a survey of various researchers of the ten cases from 1947 onwards that interested them the most.

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1973.1011)




10. 115 references : Chiles and Whitted sighting (1948)

Eastern Airlines DC-3 pilot Captain Clarence S Chiles and co-pilot John B Whitted, on trip from Houston, Texas to Atlanta (with intermediate stops in between) report a UFO near Montgomery, Alabama at approximately 2.45am on 24 July 1948.

Official US documents about this incident can be found online. See the material on the ambitious “Project Blue Book Archive” website in relation to Project Sign Incident Number 144 and also Project Blue Book Case Number 179, which commences at the links provided (and continues on the pages which follow them).

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 316163.

For links to various relevant documents and articles online see:
www.nicap.org...

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1948.0724)





11. 114 references : Travis Walton abduction (1975)

Travis Walton claims to have been abducted by a UFO near Snowflake, Arizona, USA on 5 November 1975.

The National Enquirer reported on 13 June 1976 that it was awarding Travis Walton $2,500, and the other witnesses a total of a further $2,500 following the recommendations of the members of its “blue ribbon” panel of UFO experts.

Allen H Greenfield (a ufologist) has suggested that the Travis Walton incident “may be the most iron-clad UFO case in history”

This incident has featured in the following:

• a list of cases produced by Stanton Friedman for the Fortean Times in 2007 as part of a survey of various researchers of the ten cases from 1947 onwards that interested them the most.
  
• a list of Dennis Balthaser’s “ten favourite cases” in an article in the MUFON Journal in 2003.
  

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 26576.

For links to various relevant documents and articles online see:
www.nicap.org...

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1975.1105)





12. 99 references : Maury Island incident (1947)

Maury Island, Washington alleged sighting on 21 June 1947 involving debris, involving Harold A Dahl with a related alleged sighting the following day by Dahl’s superior – Fred Lee Crisman. Dahl and Crisman are often referred to as harbor patrolmen. The incident is commonly referred to as “the Maury Island hoax” or “the Maury Island incident”.

Official US documents about this incident can be found online. See the material on the ambitious “Project Blue Book Archive” website in relation to Project Sign Incident Number 22 and also Project Blue Book Case Number 21, which commences at the links provided (and continues on the pages which follow them).

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 275047.

For links to various relevant documents and articles online see:
www.nicap.org...

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1947.0621)





13. 95 references : Tunguska event (1908)

An explosion occurs over the Tunguska region of Russia on 30 June 1908. (Commonly referred to as “the Tunguska Event”).

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 314276.

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1908.0630)





14. 92 references : Kelly-Hopkinsville incident (1955)

In Kelly-Hopkinsville, Kentucky members of the Sutton family reported strange creatures allegedly besieuging their farmhouse during the night of 21 / 22 August 1955.

This incident has featured in a list of cases produced by Greg Bishop for the Fortean Times in 2007 as part of a survey of various researchers of the ten cases from 1947 onwards that interested them the most.

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 130672.

For links to various relevant documents and articles online see: www.nicap.org...

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1955.0821)

15. 92 references : Reverend W B Gill sightings (June 1959)

Reverend W B Gill and a group of his native Papuan parishoners claim to see a saucer on the evenings of 26th, 27th and 28th June 1959 at Boianai mission, Papua New Guinea. (Commonly referred to as “the Father Gill sightings”).

This was Project Blue Book Case Number 6411.

As part of a survey by the Fortean Times in 2007 of various researchers of the ten cases from 1947 onwards that interested them the most, ufologist Greg Bishop indicated that this case was “his favourite unexplained case”.

This incident featured in the results of a survey in 1965 by Jacques Vallee of the opinion of various UFO groups as to the most significant UFO sightings. This case featured in a list of 5 cases which APRO nominated as part of that survey.

This incident has also featured in the following:

• a list of the ten “best” case published by Ronald Story in his book “UFOs and the Limits of Science” (1981).
  
• a list of cases produced by Thomas E Bullard for the Fortean Times in 2007 as part of a survey of various researchers of the ten cases from 1947 onwards that interested them the most.
  
• a list of cases produced by Bill Chalker for the Fortean Times in 2007 as part of a survey of various researchers of the ten cases from 1947 onwards that interested them the most.
  
• a list of cases produced by Hilary Evans for the Fortean Times in 2007 as part of a survey of various researchers of the ten cases from 1947 onwards that interested them the most.
  

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 309009.

For links to various relevant documents and articles online see:
www.nicap.org...

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1959.0626)





16. 91 references : Levelland, Texas incident (November 1957)

Levelland, Texas incident, involving reports of interference with car headlights and engines, during night of 2/3 November 1957.

This was Project Blue Book Case Number 5120.

This incident featured in a document (“the Rockefeller Briefing Document”) endorsed by Dr Mark Rodeghier (President of CUFOS), Richard Hall (Chairman of FUFOR) and Walter Andrus (President of MUFON) as containing “the best available evidence for the existence of UFOs”.

This incident has also featured in the following:

• a list of the ten “best” case published by Ronald Story in his book “UFOs and the Limits of Science” (1981).
  
• a list by Don Berliner of “the top 10 cases of World Ufology” in an interview made available on the UFO UpDates discussion List on 14 January 2007.
  

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 325555.

For links to various relevant documents and articles online see: www.nicap.org...

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology1957.1102)





17. 90 references : McMinnville photographs (11 May 1950)

Paul Trent allegedly took two photographs of UFOs in McMinnville, Oregon on 11 May 1950.

UFO skeptic Robert Sheaffer has written that “Many UFOlogists rate this case as the strongest photo case on record”.

This incident featured as the fourth best incident in a documentary produced by Paul Kimball entitled “Best Evidence: Top 10 UFO Cases”, purportedly based on the results of a survey conducted by Paul Kimball in 2005/2006 of “a select group of the world’s leading UFO researchers”.

These photographs have also featured in:

• a list of the “Top 10” UFO cases produced by James Carrion (in 2006),
  
• a list of five noteworthy cases produced by Richard Dolan (in his book “UFOs and the National Security State: Volume 1”)
  
• a list of the “Top 10” UFO cases produced by Stanton Friedman for the Fortean Times in 2007.
  
• a list of seven UFO cases produced by Brad Sparks (in 1999)
  
• a list of twenty UFO cases produced by Bruce Maccabee
  
• a list of the best four photographic UFO cases produced by Ronald Story
  
• a list by Paul Kimball of his own nominations for the top 10 cases.
  

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 209352.

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1950.0511)




18. 89 references : Rendlesham Forest incident (1980)

Several UFO sightings by various members of the US military in Rendlesham Forest, England during December 1980.

This incident came first in an online poll conducted in March/April 2006 by Paul Kimball of “the UFO case with the ‘best evidence’ ever”.

This incident featured as the third best incident in a documentary produced by Paul Kimball entitled “Best Evidence: Top 10 UFO Cases”, purportedly based on the results of a survey conducted by Paul Kimball in 2005/2006 of “a select group of the world’s leading UFO researchers”.

This incident featured in a document (“the Rockefeller Briefing Document”) endorsed by Dr Mark Rodeghier (President of CUFOS), Richard Hall (Chairman of FUFOR) and Walter Andrus (President of MUFON) as containing “the best available evidence for the existence of UFOs”.

As part of a survey by the Fortean Times in 2007 of various researchers of the ten cases from 1947 onwards that interested them the most, British ufologist Nick Pope described this incident as “probably the world’s most significant UFO case”.

As part of the same survey by the Fortean Times in 2007 of the ten cases from 1947 onwards that interested them the most, this incident featured in lists of cases produced by:

• Stanton Friedman
  
• jointly by British ufologists Dave Clarke and Andy Roberts
  
• British ufologist Jenny Randles
  
• British ufologist Gary Heseltine
  

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 137641.

Halt Rendlesham tape available on the following webpage: www.konsulting.com...
specifically at the following link:
www.konsulting.com...

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1980.1226)





19. 87 references : Andreasson abduction (1967)

Alleged abduction of Betty Andreasson (Betty Luca following her marriage, Betty Aho in the pre-teens and teens) at her home in South Ashburnham, Massachusetts on 25 January 1967.

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 267077.

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1967.0125)

20. 87 references : Herbert Schirmer abduction (1967)

Patrolman Herbert Schirmer claims to have seen a UFO take off from Ashland, Nebraska, USA on 3 December 1967. Later, under hypnosis, he describes an abduction experience.

This incident has also featured in a list of cases produced by Greg Bishop for the Fortean Times in 2007 as part of a survey of various researchers of the ten cases from 1947 onwards that interested them the most.

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1967.1203)




21. 83 references : Lakenheath episode (August 1956)

Britain: Lakenheath/Bentwaters radar/visual episode during night of 13th-14th August 1956. This incident is discussed as “Case 2” in the Condon Report, which states that “The preponderance of evidence indicates the possibility of a genuine UFO in this case”.

For links to various relevant documents and articles online see:
lakenheath.mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk...
www.nicap.org...

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 326808.

This was Project Blue Book Case Number 4294.

This incident featured in a document (“the Rockefeller Briefing Document”) endorsed by Dr Mark Rodeghier (President of CUFOS), Richard Hall (Chairman of FUFOR) and Walter Andrus (President of MUFON) as containing “the best available evidence for the existence of UFOs”.

This incident has featured in the following:

• a list of the ten “best” case published by Ronald Story in his book “UFOs and the Limits of Science” (1981).
  
• a list by Don Berliner of “the top 10 cases of World Ufology” in an interview made available on the UFO UpDates discussion List on 14 January 2007.
  

As part of a survey of various researchers conducted by the Fortean Times in 2007 of the ten cases from 1947 onwards that interested them the most, this incident featured in lists of cases produced by the following:

• British ufologist Nick Pope
  
• British ufologist Gary Heseltine
  
• a joint list by British ufologists Dave Clarke and Andy Roberts
  

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1956.0813)




22. 76 references : Valensole incident (July 1965)

The Valensole, France incident, involving claims by farmer Maurice Masse that he saw a craft and entities in his lavender field on 1 July 1965.

This was Project Blue Book Case Number 9479.

This incident featured in a list of cases produced by British ufologist Jenny Randles for the Fortean Times in 2007 as part of a survey of various researchers of the ten cases from 1947 onwards that interested them the most.

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 326822.

For relevant documents and articles online, see:
www.ufoevidence.org...

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1965.0701)




23. 76 references : Gulf Breeze encounter (1987 and onwards)

Alleged encounters at Gulf Breeze, Florida involving Edward Walters.

This incident has featured in a list of twenty UFO cases produced by Bruce Maccabee in 1999 in response to a challenge to produce “the best evidence for an extraterrestrial origin for the UFO phenomenon”.

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 306532.

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1987.1111)




24. 74 references : Alexander Hamilton airship (1897)

This alleged airship encounter involved an attempted calf-napping on the ranch of Alexander Hamilton at Le Roy, Kansas (sometimes referred to as LeRoy, Kansas) during 1897.

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 326826.

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1897.0419)




25. 73 references : Coyne helicopter sighting

UFO sighting by crew of Army Reserve helicopter (including Captain Lawrence Coyne) during night of 18th-19th October 1973 over the Mansfield, Ohio area whilst on route from Columbus to Cleveland. (Commonly referred to as “the Coyne helicopter sighting” or “the Mansfield incident”).

The National Enquirer reported on 23 June 1974 that it was awarding the relevant helicopter crew $5,000 for supplying the most scientifically valuable UFO evidence in 1973, following the recommendations of the members of its “blue ribbon” panel of UFO experts.

This incident featured in a list of the ten “best” case published by Ronald Story in his book “UFOs and the Limits of Science” (1981).

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 171879.

For links to various relevant documents and articles online see:
www.nicap.org...

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1973.1018)

26. 72 references : Trindade Island photographs (16 January 1958)

The Trindade Island photographs have been referred to as “the most famous of all purported photographs of a UFO” (by Donald Menzel and Lyle Boyd in their book “The World of Flying Saucers”, 1963).

This incident came third in a survey in 1965 by Jacques Vallee of the opinion of various UFO groups as to the most significant UFO sightings. This case featured in a list of 5 cases which APRO nominated as being the best in the same survey.

The Trindade Island photographs were the only photos to get their own chapter in a document (“the Rockefeller Briefing Document”) endorsed by Dr Mark Rodeghier (President of CUFOS), Richard Hall (Chairman of FUFOR) and Walter Andrus (President of MUFON) as containing “the best available evidence for the existence of UFOs”.

This incident has been included within various lists of the best UFO cases produced by various researchers. For example:

• a list by Bruce Maccabee of 20 cases which give “the best evidence for an extraterrestrial origin for the UFO phenomenon”.
  
• a list by Ronald Story of the 4 best photographic cases.
  
• a list of twenty UFO cases produced by Bruce Maccabee in 1999 in response to a challenge to produce “the best evidence for an extraterrestrial origin for the UFO phenomenon”.
  

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 84956.

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1958.0116)




27. 71 references : Gemini 4 sighting (June 1965)

Gemini 4 sighting, involving astronaut James McDivitt, on 4 June 1965.

This was Project Blue Book Case Number 9448.

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 326827.

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1965.0604)





28. 69 references : Ubatuba incident (1957)

The Rio de Janeiro newspaper O Globo published a letter on 14 September 1957 which its columnist Ibrahim Sued claimed to have received a few days earlier. The letter referred to the sighting of a flying disk near Ubatuba, Sao Paulo a few days before the letter was written, which reportedly disintegrated into fragments. The author of the letter purported to enclose a small sample of the fragments. Commonly refered to as “the Ubatuba residue”, “the Ubatuba fragments” and “the Ubatuba incident”.

This was Project Blue Book Case Number 4955.

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 4875.

For links to various relevant documents and articles online see: www.nicap.org...
www.ufoevidence.org...

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1957.0914)





29. 68 references : Incident at Exeter (September 1965)

Early on 3rd September 1965, Exeter, New Hampshire sightings involving Norman Muscarello, Police Patrolmen Eugene Bertrand, David Hunt and others.

This was Project Blue Book Case Number 9891.

This incident has featured in the following:

• a list of the ten “best” case published by Ronald Story in his book “UFOs and the Limits of Science” (1981).
  
• a list of cases produced by Thomas E Bullard for the Fortean Times in 2007 as part of a survey of various researchers of the ten cases from 1947 onwards that interested them the most.
  

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 21195.

For links to various relevant documents and articles online see:
www.nicap.org...
www.ufoevidence.org...

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1965.0903)




30. 68 references : Cash/Landrum incident (1980)

Betty Cash, Vickie Landrum, and Colby Landrum sighting near Huffman, Texas on 29 December 1980. (Commonly referred to as the “Cash/Landrum incident”.)

This incident came fourth in an online poll conducted in March/April 2006 by Paul Kimball of “the UFO case with the ‘best evidence’ ever”.

This incident has featured in the following:

• a list by James Carrion, the International Director of the Mutual UFO Network, of the “top 10 cases” in an interview in 2006.
  
• a list of cases produced by Greg Bishop for the Fortean Times in 2007 as part of a survey of various researchers of the ten cases from 1947 onwards that interested them the most.
  

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 189389.

For links to various relevant documents and articles online see:
www.nicap.org...
ufologie.net...

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1980.1229)

31. 66 references : Lubbock Lights sightings (1951)

Several college professors from Texas Technological College at Lubbock (W I Robinson, A G Oberg, W L Ducker) and others report observing a v-shaped formation of bluish green lights passing over Lubbock, Texas during 1951.

This incident featured in the results of a survey in 1965 by Jacques Vallee of the opinion of various UFO groups as to the most significant UFO sightings.

Official US documents about this incident can be found online. See the material on the ambitious “Project Blue Book Archive” website in relation to Project Blue Book Case Number 978, which commences at the link provided (and continues on the pages which follow it).

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 327015.

For links to relevant articles and documents online, see:
www.ufocasebook.com...

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1951.0825)




32. 65 references : President Jimmy Carter’s sighting (1969)

President Jimmy Carter reported seeing a UFO on 6 January 1969 at Leary, Georgia prior to a Lions Club meeting. (There is some confusion regarding the actual date.)

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 205102.

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1969.0106)




33. 64 references : Gorman "dogfight" near Fargo (1948)

Lieutenant George F Gorman of the North Dakota Air National Guard has a “dogfight” with an alleged UFO as he approached Fargo, North Dakota in an F-51 on 1 October 1948.

Official US documents about this incident can be found online. See the material on the ambitious “Project Blue Book Archive” website in relation to Project Sign Incident Number 172 and also Project Blue Book Case Number 234, which commences at the links provided (and continues on the pages which follow them).

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 57541.

For links to various relevant documents and articles online see:
www.nicap.org...
www.ufoevidence.org...

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1948.1001)





34. 64 references : Tremonton, Utah film (July 1952)

Tremonton, Utah incident involving film taken during sighting by US Navy Warrant Officer Delbert C Newhouse on 2 July 1952. Commonly referred to as “the Tremonton film” and “the Utah film”.

Official US documents about this incident can be found online. See the material on the ambitious “Project Blue Book Archive” website in relation to Project Blue Book Case Number 1377, which commences at the link provided (and continues on the pages which follow it).

The Tremonton film was one of two motion pictures of UFO sightings considered by the Robertson Panel, organized by the CIA, in January 1953.

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 300140.

For links to various relevant documents and articles online see:
www.nicap.org...

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1952.0702)




35. 62 references : Valentich disappearance (1978)

Pilot Frederick M Valentich disappears after reporting encountering a UFO while flying a Cessna 182 (call sign Delta Sierra Juliet) across the Bass Strait from Melbourne to Hobart, Tasmania on 21st October 1978.

This incident came fifth in an online poll conducted in March/April 2006 by Paul Kimball of “the UFO case with the ‘best evidence’ ever”.

As part of a survey of various researchers of the “most evidential” UFO case, British ufologists Robert Rosamond and John Spencer produced a joint response which discussed this incident.

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 209152.

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1978.1021)

36. 62 references : Truman Bethurum contact (1950s)

Contactee. Wrote book entitled “Aboard a Flying Saucer” (1954).

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 310939.

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1954.0000)





37. 61 references : Fatima apparition (1917)

Alleged apparition at Fatima on 13 October 1917.

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 214867.

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1917.1013)





38. 61 references : Flatwoods incident (September 1952)

Mrs Kathleen May, her children and Gene Lemon claim to see a creature at Flatwoods, West Virginia after the children had claimed to have seen a UFO on 12 September 1952. (Commonly referred to as “the Flatwoods Incident” or “the Flatwoods Monster”).

This was Project Blue Book Case Number 2078.

This incident featured in a list of cases produced by Greg Bishop for the Fortean Times in 2007 as part of a survey of various researchers of the ten cases from 1947 onwards that interested them the most.

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 129138.

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1952.0912)




39. 59 references : Desvergers (scoutmaster) sighting (1952)

Florida Scoutmaster D S “Sonny” Desvergers and three boy scouts report seeing a UFO in Florida near Palm Beach, Florida on 19 August 1952.

This was Project Blue Book Case Number 1981.

Karl Pflock wrote an article about this incident entitled “The Best Hoax in UFO History”.

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 327016.

For links to various relevant documents and articles online see:
www.nicap.org...
nicap.org...

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1952.0819)




40. 59 references : Belgium radar/visual sightings (1989/1990)

UFO radar/visual sightings at Eupen, Belgium. One of a number of reports in Belgium from October 1989 to late 1990, often involving descriptions of a large triangle.

This incident came second in an online poll conducted in March/April 2006 by Paul Kimball of “the UFO case with the ‘best evidence’ ever”.

This incident featured in a document (“the Rockefeller Briefing Document”) endorsed by Dr Mark Rodeghier (President of CUFOS), Richard Hall (Chairman of FUFOR) and Walter Andrus (President of MUFON) as containing “the best available evidence for the existence of UFOs”.

This incident has also featured in a list of cases produced by British ufologist Nick Pope for the Fortean Times in 2007 as part of a survey of various researchers of the ten cases from 1947 onwards that interested them the most.

This incident has also featured in a list of cases produced by British ufologist Gary Heseltine for the Fortean Times in 2007 as part of a survey of various researchers of the ten cases from 1947 onwards that interested them the most.

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 145129.

For links to various relevant documents and articles online see:
www.fufor.com...
www.ufoevidence.org...

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1989.1129)

41. 58 references : Great Falls, Montana film (August 1950)

Great Falls, Montana movie taken by Nicholas Mariana, the manager of the Great Falls baseball team. Commonly referred to as “the Great Falls Film” or “the Montana Film”.

The Great Falls film was one of two motion pictures of UFO sightings considered by the Robertson Panel, organized by the CIA, in January 1953.

In his book “UFOs Explained” (1974), Philip J Klass referred to the Great Falls footage as “the most impressive and famous UFO movie”. In his book “Scientific Ufology” (1999), Kevin D Randle wrote that the Great Falls footage “would become one of the best, and, therefore most controversial pieces of physical evidence available”.

This incident has also featured in a list of cases produced by British ufologist Gary Heseltine for the Fortean Times in 2007 as part of a survey of various researchers of the ten cases from 1947 onwards that interested them the most.

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 300193.

For links to various relevant documents and articles online see:
www.nicap.org...
ufologie.net...

Official US documents about this incident can be found online. See the material on the ambitious “Project Blue Book Archive” website in relation to Project Blue Book Case Number 792, which commences at the link provided (and continues on the pages which follow it).

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1950.0815)




42. 58 references : Day family abduction (1974)

Britain: John and Susan Day (sometimes referred to by the pseudonym “Avis”), and their 3 children, are allegedly abducted whilst driving to their home in the village of Aveley on 27 October 1974. (Commonly referred to the as “the Aveley abduction”, the “Day family abduction” or “the Avis family abduction”).

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1974.1027)




43. 57 references : Clyde Tombaugh sighting (1949)

Astronomer Clyde Tombaugh sighting at Las Cruces, New Mexico on 20 August 1949.

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 117356.

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1949.0820)





44. 57 references : Nash and Fortenberry sighting (1952)

Pan American Airways UFO sighting involving Captain William B Nash and Second Officer William H Fortenberry above Chesapeake Bay near Newport News, Virginia on 14 July 1952.

This incident featured in a list of the ten “best” case published by Ronald Story in his book “UFOs and the Limits of Science” (1981).

This incident featured in the results of a survey in 1965 by Jacques Vallee of the opinion of various UFO groups as to the most significant UFO sightings. As part of the same survey, NICAP included this case in a list of 5 cases which it nominated as being the best.

This was Project Blue Book Case Number 1444.

For relevant articles and documents online, see:
www.ufoevidence.org...

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1952.0714)




45. 57 references : Eagle River encounter (1961)

Joe Simonton of Eagle River, Wisconsin claims to have been provided with pancakes by occupants of a flying saucer in return for a jug of water on 18 April 1961.

This was Project Blue Book Case Number 7372.

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 222318.

For relevant documents and articles online, see:
www.ufoevidence.org...

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1961.0418)

46. 55 references : BOAC stratocruiser sighting (June 1954)

British Overseas Airways Corporation (“B.O.A.C.” or “BOAC”) stratocruiser “Centaurus” sighting near Goose Bay, Labrador during a flight from New York’s Idlewild Airport to London on 29 June 1954, involving pilot Captain James Howard and co-pilot Lee Boyd. (Commonly referred to as “the BOAC stratocruiser sighting”.)

This case featured in a list of 5 cases which APRO nominated as being the best in a survey conducted by Jacques Vallee in 1965.

For links to various relevant documents and articles online see:
www.nicap.org...
www.ufocasebook.com...

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1954.0629)





47. 55 references : Jet chase near Tehran, Iran (1976)

Jet chase near Tehran, Iran at about 12.30am on 19th September 1976.

This incident featured as the second best incident in a documentary produced by Paul Kimball entitled “Best Evidence: Top 10 UFO Cases”, purportedly based on the results of a survey conducted by Paul Kimball in 2005/2006 of “a select group of the world’s leading UFO researchers”.

This incident came sixth in an online poll conducted in March/April 2006 by Paul Kimball of “the UFO case with the ‘best evidence’ ever”.

This incident featured in a document (“the Rockefeller Briefing Document”) endorsed by Dr Mark Rodeghier (President of CUFOS), Richard Hall (Chairman of FUFOR) and Walter Andrus (President of MUFON) as containing “the best available evidence for the existence of UFOs”.

The National Enquirer reported that it had decided to award $5,000 to six Iranians in relation to this incident, following the recommendations of the members of its “blue ribbon” panel of UFO experts. Unfortunately for the relevant Iranian individuals, they were not permitted to accept the cash award which was instead awarded to an Iranian charity similar to the Red Cross.

This incident has featured in the following:

• a list of the ten “best” case published by Ronald Story in his book “UFOs and the Limits of Science” (1981).
  
• a list of twenty UFO cases produced by Bruce Maccabee in 1999 in response to a challenge to produce “the best evidence for an extraterrestrial origin for the UFO phenomenon”.
  
• a list by James Carrion, the International Director of the Mutual UFO Network, of the “top 10 cases” in an interview in 2006.
  
• a list of cases produced by Stanton Friedman for the Fortean Times in 2007 as part of a survey of various researchers of the ten cases from 1947 onwards that interested them the most.
  
• a list of cases produced by British ufologist Nick Pope for the Fortean Times in 2007 as part of a survey of various researchers of the ten cases from 1947 onwards that interested them the most.
  
• a list of cases produced by British ufologist Jenny Randles for the Fortean Times in 2007 as part of a survey of various researchers of the ten cases from 1947 onwards that interested them the most.
  
• a list of cases produced by British ufologist Gary Heseltine for the Fortean Times in 2007 as part of a survey of various researchers of the ten cases from 1947 onwards that interested them the most.
  

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 179840.

For links to various relevant documents and articles online see:
www.nicap.org...

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1976.0919)




48. 54 references : Flight 19 incident (1945)

Flight 19 incident involving 5 Avenger torpedo bombers on 5 December 1945. Related by some authors to UFOs and/or the Bermuda Triangle.

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 160570.

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1945.1205)




49. 54 references : "Lady" animal mutilation (1966)

“Lady” (often, incorrectly, referred to by the name “Snippy”) a horse (a 3 year old Appaloosa) is found dead near Alamosa, Colorado on 15 September 1966. One of the most famous alleged animal mutilations (often referred to as “mutes”).

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 236492.

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1966.0915)






50. 54 references : Steven Michalak encounter (1950)

Steven Michalak claims to see, and be injured by, a UFO near Falcon Lake, Canada on 20 May 1950.

This was Project Blue Book Case Number 11768.

This incident featured in a document (“the Rockefeller Briefing Document”) endorsed by Dr Mark Rodeghier (President of CUFOS), Richard Hall (Chairman of FUFOR) and Walter Andrus (President of MUFON) as containing “the best available evidence for the existence of UFOs”.

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 138361.

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1967.0520)

51. 53 references : Aurora, Texas airship crash (1897)

An alleged airship crash in Aurora, Texas involving reports of a badly disfigured pilot not an inhabitant of this world was reported in the Dallas Morning News on 19th April 1897.

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 270137.

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1897.0417)





52. 53 references : Greenhaw encounter (October 1973)

Falkville, Alabama encounter report involving Police Chief Jeff Greenhaw. Photographs allegedly taken of a humanoid figure on 17 October 1973.

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 143047.

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1973.1017)





53. 53 references : "Linda Cortile" abduction (November 1989)

Alleged abuduction of “Linda Cortile” (a pseudonym for Linda Napolitano) in downtown Manhattan, New York City early in the morning on 30 November 1989.

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 322850.

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1989.1130)





54. 52 references : Kinross incident (November 1953)

Kinross Air Force Base, Michigan F-89 jet chase / alleged disappearance over Soo Locks, Michigan on 23 November 1953. Incident involved pilot Lt. Felix Moncla Jr and radar observer Lt R R Wilson.

This incident came seventh in a survey in 1965 by Jacques Vallee of the opinion of various UFO groups as to the most significant UFO sightings.

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 136651.

For links to various relevant documents and articles online see:
www.nicap.org...
cufon.org...

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1953.1123)





55. 52 references : Apollo 11 sightings (1969)

Various alleged sightings by Apollo 11 astronauts whilst on the Moon and during the voyage in July 1969.

These incidents are discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 190155.

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1969.0720)





56. 51 references : Alan Godfrey encounter (1980)

Britain: Police Constable (“PC”) Alan Godfrey, stationed in Todmorden, West Yorkshire, allegedly has a close encounter and interacts with a human-like figure called “Joseph”, some robots and a dog early in the morning (near the end of his night shift) on 28 November 1980.

This incident has also featured in a list of cases produced jointly by British ufologists Dave Clarke and Andy Roberts for the Fortean Times in 2007 as part of a survey of various researchers of the ten cases from 1947 onwards that interested them the most.

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1980.1128)

57. 50 references : Wellington/ Kaikoura incident (1978)

Wellington/Kaikoura, New Zealand incident. Filming of alleged UFOs during night of 30th-31st December 1978 (shortly after midnight) on a flight from Christchurch to Blenheim in New Zealand, involving TV reporter Quentin Fogarty following up sightings of 21 December 1978.

On 27 May 1980, the National Enquirer reported it had decided to award $2,000 to Dr Bruce Maccabee for his investigation into the New Zealand UFO film.


This incident has featured in the following:

• a list of twenty UFO cases produced by Bruce Maccabee in 1999 in response to a challenge to produce “the best evidence for an extraterrestrial origin for the UFO phenomenon”.
  
• a list of the ten “best” case published by Ronald Story in his book “UFOs and the Limits of Science” (1981), and was described by him as being “the most puzzling picture sequence of all”.
  

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 140730.

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1978.1231)





58. 49 references : John Martin sighting (1878)

John Martin reports a dark “object” high up in the northern sky on 24 January 1878. The “object” was reported as being about “the size of a large saucer” and “evidently at a great height”.

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 171388.

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1878.0124)




59. 49 references : Orfeo Angelucci encounter (1950s)

Contactee. Author of “The Secret of the Saucers”.

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1955.0000)





60. 49 references : Delphos Ring incident (1971)

Sighting in Delphos, Kansas on 2 November 1971. Physical trace evidence claims made in relation to a grey/white ring on the farm of Mr and Mrs Johnson and their son Ronald Johnson. (Commonly referred to as the “Delphos Ring” incident).

The National Enquirer reported on 27 May 1973 that it was awarding the Johnson family $5,000 “for supplying the most scientifically valuable UFO evidence in 1972”, following the recommendations of the members of its “blue ribbon” panel of UFO experts.

This incident has featured in the following:

• a list by James Carrion, the International Director of the Mutual UFO Network, of the “top 10 cases” in an interview in 2006.
  
• a list of cases produced by Stanton Friedman for the Fortean Times in 2007 as part of a survey of various researchers of the ten cases from 1947 onwards that interested them the most.
  

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 271931.

For links to various relevant documents and articles online see:
www.nicap.org...
www.temporaldoorway.com...

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1971.1102)




61. 47 references : The Northeast Blackout (1965)

Northeastern United States suffers a major power failure on 9 November 1965. Some authors have alleged a link to UFO sightings. (Commonly referred to as “The Northeast Blackout”).

For links to various relevant documents and articles online see:
www.nicap.org...

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1965.1109)

62. 46 references : Rex Heflin photographs (1965)

Highway investigator Rex Heflin of the Orange County (California) Highway Department claims to have taken 3 photographs of a UFO at Santa Ana, California on 3 August 1965.

This was Project Blue Book Case Number 9654.

Robert Sheaffer has referred to Heflin’s photographs as “one of the most highly regarded series of ‘classic’ UFO photos of all time”.

The Condon Report states that the case regarding these photos “must remain inconclusive” and comments that the case is “of exceptional interest because it is so well documented”.

This incident has also featured in a list of cases produced by Greg Bishop for the Fortean Times in 2007 as part of a survey of various researchers of the ten cases from 1947 onwards that interested them the most.

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 208479.

For links to various relevant documents and articles online see:
www.nicap.org...

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1965.0803)




63. 45 references : RB-47 radar/visual incident (July 1957)

RB-47 radar/visual incident during a flight over Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Oklahoma, South Central United States during the early hours of the morning of 17 July 1957.

This was Project Blue Book Case Number 4810.

This incident featured as the top incident in a documentary produced by Paul Kimball entitled “Best Evidence: Top 10 UFO Cases”, purportedly based on the results of a survey conducted by Paul Kimball in 2005/2006 of “a select group of the world’s leading UFO researchers”.

As part of a survey by the Fortean Times in 2007 of various researchers of the ten cases from 1947 onwards that interested them the most, ufologist Jerome Clark indicated he considered this incident to be “the most evidential”.

This incident has featured in the following:

• a list of cases produced by Stanton Friedman for the Fortean Times in 2007 as part of a survey of various researchers of the ten cases from 1947 onwards that interested them the most.
  
• a list by Don Berliner of “the top 10 cases of World Ufology” in an interview made available on the UFO UpDates discussion List on 14 January 2007.
  
• a list by Paul Kimball of his own nominations for the top 10 cases.
  

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 12193.

For links to various relevant documents and articles online see: www.nicap.org...
ufologie.net...
www.ufoevidence.org...

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1957.0717)




64. 45 references : Carl Higdon contact (1974)

Alleged contact incident involving E Carl Higdon while elk-hunting on the north boundary of the Medicine Bow National Forest, Rawlins, Wyoming on 25 October 1974.

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1974.1025)





65. 45 references : Trans-en-Provence encounter (1981)

Alleged UFO landing at Trans-en-Provence, France involving Monsieur Renato Nicolai (sometimes misspelt as “Renato Niccolai”) on 8 January 1981. (Monsieur Nicolai was originally referred to using the pseudonym “Renato Collini”).

This incident featured in a document (“the Rockefeller Briefing Document”) endorsed by Dr Mark Rodeghier (President of CUFOS), Richard Hall (Chairman of FUFOR) and Walter Andrus (President of MUFON) as containing “the best available evidence for the existence of UFOs”.

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 5161.

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1981.0108)

66. 44 references : Charles B Moore sighting (1949)

Sighting at White Sands, New Mexico whilst tracking a weather balloon, involving Charles B Moore on 24 April 1949.

Official US documents about this incident can be found online. See the material on the ambitious “Project Blue Book Archive” website in relation to Project Blue Book Case Number 358, which commences at the link provided (and continues on the pages which follow it).

This incident has featured in a list of twenty UFO cases produced by Bruce Maccabee in 1999 in response to a challenge to produce “the best evidence for an extraterrestrial origin for the UFO phenomenon”.

For links to various relevant documents and articles online see:
www.nicap.org...

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 139774.

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1949.0424)




67. 43 references : E J Smith sighting (1947)

United Airlines Flight 105 sighting involving Captain Emil J Smith, his co-pilot (Ralph Stevens) and a stewardess (Marty Morrow), near Emmett, Idaho on 4 July 1947.

Official US documents about this incident can be found online. See the material on the ambitious “Project Blue Book Archive” website in relation to Project Sign Incident Number 10 and also Project Blue Book Case Number 34, which commences at the links provided (and continues on the pages which follow them).

For links to various relevant documents and articles online see:
www.nicap.org...

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1947.0704)





68. 43 references : Stanford, Kentucky abduction (1976)

Alleged abduction of Louise Smith, Mona Stafford and Elaine Thomas in Stanford, Kentucky whilst driving home from celebrating Mona Stafford’s birthday at a restaurant south of Lancaster, Kentucky on 6 January 1976. (Commonly referred to as “the Stanford, Kentucky multiple abduction” or the “Casey County abduction”.)

For relevant documents and articles online, see:
www.ufoevidence.org...

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1976.0106)





69. 41 references : Fred Johnson sighting (1947)[/url]

Portland prospector Fred M Johnson reports several UFOs in the sky, in Cascade Mountains of Orgeon on 24 June 1947. Fred Johnson claimed the compass hand on his watch moved from side to side during the sighting.

This incident has featured in a list of twenty UFO cases produced by Bruce Maccabee in 1999 in response to a challenge to produce “the best evidence for an extraterrestrial origin for the UFO phenomenon”.

Official US documents about this incident can be found online. See the material on the ambitious “Project Blue Book Archive” website in relation to Project Sign Incident Number 68 and also Project Blue Book Case Number 12, which commences at the links provided (and continues on the pages which follow them).

For links to various relevant documents and articles online see: www.nicap.org...
www.project1947.com...

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1947.0624)





70. 40 references : Fort Itaipu, Brazil sighting (1957)

Fort Itaipu, Brazil sighting by two sentries, with alleged injuries and electromagnetic effects on 4 November 1957.

This incident featured in the results of a survey in 1965 by Jacques Vallee of the opinion of various UFO groups as to the most significant UFO sightings.

This was Project Blue Book Case Number 5119.

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1957.1104)

71. 39 references : Muroc Field sightings (1947)

Series of sightings at, and near, Muroc Field on 8 July 1947.

Official US documents about this incident can be found online. See the material on the ambitious “Project Blue Book Archive” website in relation to Project Blue Book Case Number 50 and also Project Blue Book Case Number 51, which commences at the links provided (and continues on the pages which follow them).

For links to various relevant documents and articles online see:
ufologie.net...
www.nicap.org...

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1947.0708)




72. 39 references : Gary Wilcox encounter (1964)

Alleged contact with UFO occupants involving dairy farmer Gary T Wilcox in Newark Valley, New York on 24 April 1964. (Commonly referred to as “the Gary Wilcox encounter”).

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1964.0424)




73. 39 references : Spaur/Neff Ravenna sighting (1966)

Police chase a bright light, starting near Ravenna, Portage County, Ohio during early morning of 17th April 1966 involving Deputy Sheriff Dale Spaur and Mounted Deputy Wilbur “Barney” Neff. Dale Spaur sometimes referred to the light by his own middle name, “Floyd”.

This incident featured in a list of the ten “best” case published by Ronald Story in his book “UFOs and the Limits of Science” (1981).

For links to various relevant documents and articles online see:
ufologie.net...
www.nicap.org...
www.nicap.org...

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1966.0417)




74. 39 references : Cedric Allingham encounter (1950s)

Purported contactee and purported author of book entitled “Flying Saucers from Mars” (1954).

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1954.0000)




75. 38 references : Salem, Massachusetts photograph (1952)

UFO photograph allegedly taken by United States Coast Guard station phototographer Shell Alpert at Salem, Massachusetts on 16 July 1952.

This was Project Blue Book Case Number 1501.

J Allen Hynek has referred to this photograph as a “widely publicized case”, a “classic” that “has made the rounds in just about every magazine and book on the subject”.

This photograph was listed by Project Blue Book as “unidentified”.

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 304601.

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1952.0716)




76. 38 references : Reinhold Schmidt encounter (1957)

Reinhold Schmidt, a grain buyer, claims to have spoken, in “high German”, to the crew of a UFO that had allegedly landed to make repairs near Kearney, Nebraska on 5 November 1957.

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1957.1105)

77. 38 references : "Doctor X" UFO encounter (1968)

Alleged “Doctor X” UFO encounter on 2 November 1968 involving claims of healing. (Commonly referred to as “The case of Dr. X.” or “The healing of Dr X.”).

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1968.1102)





78. 38 references : Maureen Puddy encounter (1973)

Maureen Puddy reports having experienced an alleged abduction whilst sitting in a car on Mooraduc Road, Australia, in the presence of two UFO investigators on 22 February 1973.

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1973.0222)




79. 35 references : Gordon Cooper sighting (1963)

Alleged Mercury 9 UFO report involving astronaut L Gordon Cooper on 16 May 1963.

This incident has also featured in a list of cases produced by British ufologist Gary Heseltine for the Fortean Times in 2007 as part of a survey of various researchers of the ten cases from 1947 onwards that interested them the most.

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 191935.

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1963.0516)




80. 35 references : Cisco Grove incident (1964)

During the night of 4th – 5th September 1964, Cisco Grove, California incident involving Donald Schrum (sometimes referred to as “Mr S.” or “Mr S_____”) and Vincent A ___________ . Schrum claimed to have climbed a tree to avoid a robot-like creature, which he shot an arrow at.

This was Project Blue Book Case Number 9093.

For links to various relevant documents and articles online see: www.nicap.org...

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1964.0904)



81. 34 references : Topcliffe incident (1952)

Britain: Reports of an object seen near RAF Topcliffe, North Yorkshire, England, reportedly chasing a RAF Meteor jet piloted by Flight Lieutenant John W Kilburn during Operation Mainbrace on 19 September 1952.

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1952.0919)




82. 34 references : Gemini 7 sighting (1965)

Gemini 7 report of a “bogey” involving Command pilot Frank Borman and co- pilot Jim Lovell on 4 December 1965.

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 220343.

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1965.1204)




83. 34 references : Voronezh, Russia landing (1989)

Alleged UFO landing in a park in Voronezh, Russia on 27 September 1989.

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 299622.

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1989.0927)




84. 33 references : Cynthia Appleton encounter (1957)

Britain: Mrs Cynthia Appleton of Aston, Birmingham, England claims to see the “materialisation” of a man in her up-stairs sitting room on 18 November 1957. This was the first in a series of alleged encounters.

This incident has also featured in a list of cases produced jointly by British ufologists Dave Clarke and Andy Roberts for the Fortean Times in 2007 as part of a survey of various researchers of the ten cases from 1947 onwards that interested them the most.

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1957.1118)




85. 33 references : Claude Vorilhon contact (1973)

Alleged close encounter involving Claude Vorilhon (former racing driver, leader of the Raelians) near Clermont Ferrand, France on 13 December 1973.

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 193928.

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1973.1213)




86. 33 references : Livingston incident (1979)

Britain: Livingston, Scotland incident involving foreman forester Robert Taylor (“Bob Taylor”) on 9 November 1979, allegedly involving a close encounter and balls attached themselves to Mr Taylor’s trousers, tearing them. (Commonly referred to as “the Livingston Incident”).

This incident has also featured in a list of cases produced jointly by British ufologists Dave Clarke and Andy Roberts for the Fortean Times in 2007 as part of a survey of various researchers of the ten cases from 1947 onwards that interested them the most.

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1979.1109)

87. 32 references : Jose A y Bonilla photographs (1883)

Photograph taken by astronomer Jose A y Bonilla at the Zacatecas Observatory in Mexico of objects crossing the face of the Sun on 12 August 1883. Some authors have referred to these photographs as “the first UFO photographs”.

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 304870.

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1883.0812)






88. 32 references : Ummo photographs (1 June 1967 and other dates)

Photographs purportedly taken of a UFO with a marking later associated with Ummo over San Jopse de Valderas, near Madrid, Spain on 1 June 1967.

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 181388.

For links to various relevant documents and articles online see:
ufologie.net...

Ufologist Scott Corrales has commented that the Ummo affair is “without any doubt, the longest-running hoax in ufology”.

Jacques Vallee has suggested that “UMMO is certainly one of the best examples of the systematic application of confusion techniques in the paranormal field”.

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1967.0601)




89. 32 references : JAL 1628 sighting over Alaska (1986)

Japanese Airlines (“JAL”) Boeing 747 cargo plane (JAL Flight Number 1628) sighting over Alaska, in the vicinity of Fort Yukon, involving Captain Kenju Terauchi on 17 November 1986.

This incident featured in a document (“the Rockefeller Briefing Document”) endorsed by Dr Mark Rodeghier (President of CUFOS), Richard Hall (Chairman of FUFOR) and Walter Andrus (President of MUFON) as containing “the best available evidence for the existence of UFOs”.

This incident has featured in a list of twenty UFO cases produced by Bruce Maccabee in 1999 in response to a challenge to produce “the best evidence for an extraterrestrial origin for the UFO phenomenon”.

This incident has featured in a list by Paul Kimball of his nominations for the top 10 cases.

This incident featured in a list by James Carrion, the International Director of the Mutual UFO Network, of the “top 10 cases” in an interview in 2006.

This incident has also featured in a list of cases produced by British ufologist Gary Heseltine for the Fortean Times in 2007 as part of a survey of various researchers of the ten cases from 1947 onwards that interested them the most.

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 287396.

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1986.1117)





90. 31 references : Operation Mainbrace sightings (1952)

Britain: Operation Mainbrace sightings, mainly between 19th and 21st September 1952.

This incident has also featured in a list of cases produced jointly by British ufologists Dave Clarke and Andy Roberts for the Fortean Times in 2007 as part of a survey of various researchers of the ten cases from 1947 onwards that interested them the most.

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 266723.

For links to various relevant documents and articles online see:
www.nicap.org...

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1952.0919)




91. 31 references : Stephen Darbishire photographs (1954)

Britain: Thirteen-year-old Stephen Darbishire allegedly takes a UFO photo near Lake Coniston, Cumbria, England on 15 February 1954. (Sometimes referred to as “the Coniston Saucer”).

This photograph has been referred to as “the first UFO photograph ever taken in Britain” (Westmoreland Gazette, 8 October 2004).

As a result of the press coverage of this photograph, Stephen Darbishire and his father were invited to Buckingham Palace to meet one of the Duke of Edinburgh’s private secretaries (the Royal Equerry, RAF Squadron Leader Sir Peter Horsley).

This incident has also featured in a list of cases produced jointly by British ufologists Dave Clarke and Andy Roberts for the Fortean Times in 2007 as part of a survey of various researchers of the ten cases from 1947 onwards that interested them the most.

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 304723.

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1954.0215)




92. 30 references : Walesville Incident (1954)

USAF F94 Starfire Jet crashed into the village of Walesville, New York, near Griffiss, killing several civilians on 2 July 1954. (Commonly referred to as “the Walesville Incident”). This crash is sometimes alleged to have occurred during the pursuit of a UFO.

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 59687.

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1954.0702)





93. 30 references : Red Bluff sighting (1960)

Red Bluff, California UFO sighting involving an attempted chase by Patrolmen Charles A Carson and Stanley Scott during the night of 13th / 14th August 1960.

This was Project Blue Book Case Number 6909.

This incident featured in the results of a survey in 1965 by Jacques Vallee of the opinion of various UFO groups as to the most significant UFO sightings. As part of the same survey, NICAP included this case in a list of 5 cases which it nominated as being the best.

For links to various relevant documents and articles online see:
www.nicap.org...
www.ufoevidence.org...

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1960.0813)





94. 30 references : Charles L Moody abduction (1975)

Alleged abduction of Air Force Staff Sergeant Charles L Moody at Alamogordo, New Mexico on 13 August 1975.

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1975.0813)

95. 29 references : "Battle of Los Angeles" (February 1942)

Los Angeles was blacked out whilst U.S. Army gunners fire at a UFO over Los Angeles and Burbank, California, USA on 25 February 1942.

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 118193.

For links to various relevant documents and articles online see:
www.nicap.org...

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1942.0225)





96. 29 references : Larson abduction near Fargo (1975)

Alleged abduction involving Jackie Larson, Sandra Larson and male friend Terry O’ Leary, near Fargo, North Dakota on 26 August 1975.

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1975.0826)





97. 28 references : Farmington sightings (1950)

Farmington, New Mexico incident involving reports of an “armada” of flying saucers on 17 March 1950.

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 33879.

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1950.0317)





98. 28 references : Oloron “Angel Hair” incident (1952)

Oloron, France incident involving reports of “angel hair” being seen on 17 October 1952.

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1952.1017)





99. 28 references : Tully “saucer nest” incident (1966)

Mr George Pedley, Tully, Queensland, Australia sighting, involving claims that of an area of flattened swamp grass (commonly referred to at that time as a “saucer nest”) on 19 January 1966.

This incident has also featured in a list of cases produced by Bill Chalker for the Fortean Times in 2007 as part of a survey of various researchers of the ten cases from 1947 onwards that interested them the most.

This incident is discussed on the ATS.com forums in Thread 166466.

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1966.0119)





100. 27 references : Loch Raven Dam incident (1958)

Incident at Loch Raven Dam, Maryland, near Baltimore allegedly involving Alvin Cohen and Phil Small experiencing a close encounter and engine failure on 26 October 1958.

This was Project Blue Book Case Number 6148.

(For references to relevant discussions in various UFO books see Koi Chronology 1958.1026)