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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.
“Nevers”20 pages
## SAFTS-3. AFTN: Maj. Tacker AFCIN-4E ## 4E4/NaJ Friend/ac/6-9216/B1dg 825 2. Capt. as well as two United Airlines pilots and control tower operators at Pittsburgh Airport, observed three lights in the night sky. The 2253d Air Base Group at Greater Pittsburgh Airport was requested to investigate. The operators said there was nothing unusual so they didn't report it. However, shock was made with the 772nd ACRON at Clayaburg, Pa., and it was determined three 77's were in the area on a night refueling operation. All observers description hastitated the sighting of one and the same group of lights. 1. This is a summary of the investigation and evaluation of a sighting note by American Airlines pilot, and other individuals on the evening of February 1959. 3. A check was made with the Aircraft Support Systems Project Office, Wright-Thorson Air Force Base, to determine the characteristics of a night refueling operation. The tanker has several groups of lights which at a distance would appear be one or more lights. The time duration of a refueling operation varies, can last all over an hour, depending on the type of operation. The IC-97 refueling a B-47 will fly at an altitude of approximately 17,000 feet at around 230 knots true. This account for the lights being approximately 30 degrees above Capt. prison and his seeing them for 40 minutes.
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