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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
UFO SIGHTING OVER PENNSYLVANIA Captain 24 February 1959 Departing Newark 1910 arriving Detroit 2252. It was approximately 2045 when I noticed these three lights off my left wing in the vicinity of Bradford, Pennsylvania. I was flying 8,500 VFR on top of broken clouds. Visibility was unlimited with no upper clouds observed. It was extremely difficult to ascertain the distance of the lights. The color of the lights was from a yellow to a light orange. The intensity of the lights also changed from dim to a bright brilliant. Sometimes the interval of the three lights was identical to the Belt in the constellation Orion. Occasionally the rear lights lagged somewhat behind. Also changed altitudes. During the 40 minutes of observation, the three lights occasionally came forward from a 9 o'clock position to an 11 o'clock position and then fell back to the original 9 o'clock position. Also, occasionally the lights extinguished completely alternating from one to another, sometimes the whole three were extinguished and during this whole operation, as I mentioned before, the lights changed in intensity. This action was not only seen by myself but four crew members and passengers on board and also by two other airplanes in the area. The only possible explanation, other than flying saucers, could be a jet tanker refueling operation. Never having witnessed refueling operations at night, I am not aware of the lighting of the jet tanker. My air speed during this complete flight was 250 knots indicated. I also do not know the air speed of tankers during operation if this could be so. I contacted ATC to find out if they had any airplanes on a clearance and no three airplanes were given. In summary it was difficult for me to believe they were jets because of low speed and configuration. If they weren't jets I still don't know anymore than I did before, even though I watched them for 40 minutes before. Due to the dark and strong lights I was not able to ascertain any size or shape. The altitude of the objects was 30 degrees above my horizon. Distance away is unknown. A check was made with the aircraft support systems project office, Wright- Patterson AF3, to determine the characteristics of a night refueling 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 upon the type of operation. Refueling would take place at approximately 17,000 feet and approximately 230 knots true. During the investigation the Air Force determined that there were three B-47's in the area of Capt flight path during the hour of the sighting. These B-47's were on a night refueling mission.
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