The Roswell Report: Case Closed

Fig. 18. The balloon
training missions flown from
Hollaman AFB, N.M. in May
1959, were made in an open
gondola suspendedbeneath a
30.foot diameter polyethelyne
balloon. This photo was taken
on May 21, 1959 by Balloon
Branch communications
technician,AZC Ole Jorgeson
just prior to the mishap which
resulted in injuries tn wo of
the pilots. (photo collecrion of
OleJur@?sunJ
overt~rn.‘~” The three pilots, Kittinger, Fulgham, and Kaufman, were spilled
from the gondola pinning Fulgham’s head between the edge of the gondola and
the ground.lb’ The impact shatteredhis helmet and he sustaineda head injury.lg2
When the three pilots climbed out from under the gondola, Fulgham noticed that
his “head seemed to be protruding outward from underneath [his] helmet.““’
Kittinger also received an injury, a minor facial laceration. The crew of the
nearby chasehelicopter and personnelin the ground tracking vehicles rushed to
the scene.lM For medical treatment, the pilots were transportedby the helicopter
to nearby Walker AFB.‘*’
When the helicopter landed at Walker AFB, it was met by armed
security personnel who sought to verify the purpose of the unannounced
arrival.‘“6 The security personnel escorted the balloon pilots to the hospital.‘*’
The balloon recovery and communications crew, after retrieving the gondola
and balloon, drove to Walker AFB to check on the injured crew and to inform
the Balloon Branch at Holloman AFB of the accident.lsx
At the Walker AFB hospital, Fulgham and Kittinger received
treatment for their injuries and neither required admission. Meanwhile, the
Walker AFB security officials continued to escort the unannounced visitors
while verifying their identities. IS4The pilot’s identities and purpose for their
visit were confirmed via phone by Colonel Stapp, Aero Medical Laboratory
commander at Wright-Patterson AFB (the pilots and Project EXCELSIOR were
assigned to this organization).19”
Kittinger, the EXCELSIOR project officer, wanted to leave the
hospital as quickly as possible after he and Fulgham received medical
attention.lgl The quick departure was to avoid unwanted scrutiny by Walker
AFB flying safety officials. I92When released by the flight surgeon, the
three pilots boarded the chase helicopter and returned to Holloman AFB
approximately 100 miles to the west.
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