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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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In regard to the 24 February 1959 American Air Lines pilot's sighting near Bradford, Pennsylvania, the geographical area concerned is bordered on the north along the New York-Pennsylvania border (near Bradford and Olean, New York) on the route of American Air Lines Flight No. 139. On the south, this geographical area is bordered by the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-Airon-Youngstown, Ohio area. The American Air Lines pilot, captain CMBK-01 indicated in his statement submitted to the Air Force by the SIBF American Air Lines, Incorporated, that sometimes the interval of the three lights were identical to the Delt in the constellation Orion. This was initially mentioned by the Air Force as a possible solution with the qualifying statement that the report as submitted had not yet been analyzed and that the findings of ALIC would be based upon a complete analysis and evaluation of the written report as submitted. The pilot's report, a copy of which is attached, also suggested the possibility that he might have witnessed a night serial refueling operation. Captain CMBK-01 has not communicated with the Air Force since his original statement to change or edit it in any way. Upon analysis and evaluation, this sighting turned out to be B-47 type aircraft accomplishing night refueling from AD-77 tankers. The American 71r Lina pilots report of the sighting tentatively indicated this. All Force records showed that three B-47 type aircraft were in the geographical area sentenced above on the night refueling operation. The 702nd Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron at Claysburg, Pennsylvania confirmed this fact.
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