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This NICAP compilation by Dan Wilson gathers Project Blue Book records on the sighting of 24 February 1959, when American Airlines Flight 139, flying from Newark to Detroit, and two United Airlines crews saw three lights over Pennsylvania and Ohio. It includes the record card, pilot statements, Air Force letters and correspondence with an Akron UFO committee. The Air Force concluded that the lights came from three B-47s refueling from KC-97 tankers. Book excerpts disputing Captain Killian's later claims are also included.
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operation. The tanker has several groups of lights which at a distance would appear to be one or more lights. The time duration of a refueling operation varies, can last well over an hour, depending on the type of operation. The LC-97 refueling a B-47 will fly at an altitude of approximately 17,000 feet at around 230 knots true. This would account for the lights being approximately 30 degrees above Capt horizon and his sighting them for 40 minutes. 6. All evidence indicates Capt probably saw a refueling operation. 11. 16. fulbert H. K. GILBERT Colonel, USAF AFCIN-4E
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